Why Stu Co Masks Up

Starting Something New in a Pandemic

North freshmen’s thoughts about their first semester and how it was impacted by the pandemic.

By: George Balas

A student's first semester of their freshmen year sets the stage for the rest of their time in high school. It is a time for students to learn the ropes, try new things and build friendships. However this year’s freshmen are getting a very different introduction to the high school experience than anyone before them, as many opted to spend much of their first semester online or following a series of social distancing guidelines. Under ideal circumstances adapting to the new school environment is a challenge as there is a lot to learn about new buildings, new teachers, new classes and new expectations. The class of 2024 is adapting in less than ideal circumstances, but despite the challenges many North freshmen were able to find a solid footing. Freshman Hunter Tang was pleased to share his success in makdid well in most of my classes, so yeah, it was good,” said Visser about his fall semester. Inevitably, pandemic procedures meant giving up things at school that can not be completely replicated online. Both students reflected on some of the experiences that they feel they missed in their first semester of high school. “In my classes, we were not able to do some of the elective group activities the teachers said we ing the transition to senior high. “ It was affected some because there was online school and stuff, but I think it was fine. The shift wasn’t bad,” he said. Fellow freshman Cyrus Visser had a similar experience. “No, there was not really much of an effect. I was able to do most of the things I would have normally done at home without much difficulty,” he said. Despite all the complications related to COVID, both students expressed confidence that not only had their transition gone smoothly but so did their semester as a whole. “I think it went pretty good relative to how I planned. I think I

Photo: Indiana Public Media were going to do but could not because of the pandemic,” Visser said. Tang also explained what was missing for him this semester. “I do not think we got as many interactions, so maybe I would have enjoyed it more,” he said. As the COVID vaccine is rolling out, the class of 2024 can hope for normalcy to return sooner than later.