Finding Their Footing

FOOTING finding their

Even in a typical year, many students find their freshman year stressful. Entering a new school, taking more challenging classes and having new weight put upon their shoulders can be challenging.

In the midst of a pandemic, teachers are having a harder time helping students adjust the stress of high school than they normally would.

To help students through this difficult time, Sandy Liechti, freshmen interim counselor, and WRAP therapist Katie Coldham host a ninth grade social hour on Flex Wednesdays. Freshmen are invited to socialize and meet new classmates.

“We started to give freshmen a place to get to know each other, because a lot of them haven’t been in the building,” Coldham said. “We just wanted them to have a place to come talk to us and make connections, especially during a pandemic.”

Hybrid learning limited the days students were allowed to attend school in-person, so joining a team gave freshmen the opportunity to meet people who shared their interests.

“It really helped me get to know some of the great people at Free State and make even more really good friendships and the upperclassmen,” said freshman Blake Wohler, a member of the cross country team.

During an average year, participating in athletics can be an easy way for students to make new friends. This year, however, it became a lifeline.

“Being a part of soccer has definitely been my favorite part [of the year,] because it feels like I am a part of something bigger than just being a student in a classroom,” said freshman Elaina Zung, a member of the girls soccer team.

Others were just glad to have a way to socialize.

“Even talking to other kids within my group at tournaments can be fun, chatting with kids that I never wouldn’t have even known existed if it wasn’t for golf,” said freshman Ty Ankenbauer, a member of the boys golf team.

While this year has been challenging, students have learned to adapt to an everchanging environment.

“When we first started coming back near the end of first semester, I found it harder to adjust only coming one day a week,” Ankenbauer said, “but as second semester has gone on and I’ve been able to develop more of a schedule going four days a week and have been able to adjust to the bigger environment a lot better and feel more comfortable.”

How freshmen have adjusted to an exceptional year

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pages by Kaitlyn Fisher story by Nathaniel Ankenbauer