Freshmen adjusting to high school as new semester starts
Freshman year can be the most stressful time for some students.
Moving from a smaller-sized middle school to a much bigger high
school can be a little intimidating.
”
The first semester of freshman year can be one of the most
overwhelming and hardest of the four years in high school as
students try to find their place,
”
said Adam Breen, a San Benito High School teacher.
Freshmen adjusting to high school as new semester starts
Freshman year can be the most stressful time for some students. Moving from a smaller-sized middle school to a much bigger high school can be a little intimidating.
“The first semester of freshman year can be one of the most overwhelming and hardest of the four years in high school as students try to find their place,” said Adam Breen, a San Benito High School teacher.
Some students go into high school following an older brother or sister, which can help a great deal when trying to find a class. However, some students who are the oldest in their family have to “figure things out” on their own.
“I had my sister to help me,” said Chris Cook, a second-semester freshman. “So it was not as hard as I thought it was going to be.”
There are many ways to be a part of the campus such as ASB, sports and clubs.
The more involved a student gets, Breen noted, the more people they will meet and they will feel more a part of the school instead of it being just a place to go for classes.
“I joined the tennis team at the beginning of my freshman year and next year I want to do class office,” said Kelsey Slavich, a freshman at SBHS.
Second semester for many students has been described as being easier so far, now that they know what to expect. Many students and even teachers are already making academic and personal goals to exceed what they achieved first semester.
“My goal this semester is to get more involved and attend more outside of class events,” said Laura Beach, who is a teacher at SBHS.
Slavich added, “I want to finish strong this semester instead of quitting and stop caring toward the end of the semester.”
For teenagers, high school is the first step toward life on their own. Staff members encourage students to focus on academics and get involved as much as they can while still meeting their academic obligations.
Breen said high school provides a great opportunity to meet new people and find out what you are good at.
“We have a lot of resources, utilize them,” Breen offered as advice for freshman.
SBHS freshman Kenny Campbell, a graduate of Southside School, said he likes the high school “a whole lot better. I have met a lot of cool new people.”
New to San Benito this semester, freshman Mary Alameda added that San Benito has bigger and harder classes then her previous high school, Anzar.
“I like it,” Alameda said. “I have joined the soccer team and met a lot more people.”
Many students come in overwhelmed and scared, said SBHS counselor Andy Prisco, who noted that most are concerned about fitting in and finding friends.
“Be organized,” Prisco said. “Use the tools we provide for you and talk to some older students who already know the ropes.”
Campbell said having his older sister, a junior, on campus helped him get ready for the transition.
“I was prepared and wasn’t afraid of change,” he said.
Some students even have their parents to guide them. SBHS teachers Breen and Patrick Schleeter, for example, both have students that attend the high school.
“I have the ability to see the entire day through the eyes of a teacher, as well as a parent,” Schleeter said.
He also advised students to talk to teachers because a lot of them really want to help out and there is no reason not to get involved.
“I can get a perspective from my boys, as well as the school itself,” Breen said. “I see how teachers interact with students and that influences my teaching. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved and talk to someone,” Breen said.
Prisco added that high school is the last time a student can truly be a kid before they are tossed into the world of colleges and careers. Students just have to “make connections” and “get out there,” he said.
