Freshman survival guide

Page 5 | Features

The ultimate freshman survival guide

BY MANUEL ESPINOZA, CONTENT EDITOR

EVERY YEAR, THE CAVALIER family attracts a new set of freshmen full of potential for their high school career that lies ahead. As newly enrolled Cavaliers, this change is just the beginning of the best four years the class of 2026 will experience.

Of course, such a change in atmosphere is bound to incite nervousness as entering high school involves integrating oneself into a new environment. Especially at a school as big as Gables, this can come across as intimidating for newcomers.

Therefore, this guide goes out to all the freshmen who are entering Gables this year. highlights would like to give the incoming class a warm welcome to what most students here call their second home.

Essentials

• Sweater: These classrooms can get really cold, really fast, which is why it is important to keep yourself warm in style. We recommend hoodies within our school colors which are gray, crimson, black and white.

• Water bottle: Keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day is essential to maintaining your focus in class. The best part is, there are bottle fillers all around the school! Feel free to refill anytime.

• Phone and Laptop: Here at Gables, technology has increasingly becoming a vital part of everyday classroom life, so it is important to have these handy. If you do not have a laptop, the school lends touch-screen laptops at the start of the year.

Food for thought

• Breakfast: Breakfast is free and open to students starting at 6:45 a.m. There is also the pavilion and other tables around the school for Cavaliers to sit around and wait for the bell to ring.

• 7-Eleven and Merrick Park: If you are in need of a quick snack or place to hang out after school, 7/11 and Merrick Park are both within walking distance. Expect to see several other Cavaliers enjoying their time after school.

• Vending Machine: Near the little theater and 4000 building, there is a vending machine that dispenses all sorts of drinks. They accept Apple Pay, which means one could pay without cash.

Tips and tricks

• Social Media: Follow all the publications on Instagram, including @highlightscghs. This is where news and content from our school gets published daily. Along with that, follow the freshman class Instagram, @cghs2026. These are great ways to inform yourself about what is happening around school.

• Counselors: Every student has an assigned counselor. In the event you have any questions or concerns regarding courses, extracurriculars or anything else, always feel free to reach out to them through e-mail or in their office.

• Extracurriculars: There are a multitude of clubs and sports that are the right fit for each Cavalier. Keep yourself active at the school by partaking in these activities as it will make your high school experience more fulfilling. If you are in need of more information, check to see if that extracurricular activity has an Instagram since they most likely do. h

HALL TALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the halls.

“Calling guys by their name makes them feel too important.”

“The badminton team has Wii sports to thank for my athleticism.”

“They know I would be too powerful with my wisdom teeth.”

“They invited me to the junior Olympics but I was too busy.”

“Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy is convincing me I shouldn’t have those.”

“I’m taking IB chem to figure out what Beyoncé put in this album.”