The Winds of Change

by Fiona Flynn, Reporter, Gavin Block, Reporter, Elizabeth Hamby, Co-Editor In Chief

The season of freedom is approaching for multiple parties, as seniors are being released into the real world and incoming freshmen will soon be entering the whole new world of high school; certainly, everyone is getting ready for the summer.

LHS Publications reached out to current eighth graders inquiring about their future worries or questions they had for their future in hopes that fellow seniors could alleviate some stress they possess.

After 100 responses later, many concerns have been illuminated from the future high school generation, and so here is where the seniors step in.

Although it may be impossible to get to every question and every concern that the freshman had, but our goal was to comfort as many freshman as humanly possible. Here were the results:

400 and 300 Hallways

Commons

200 and 100

Gym

“It’s a lot less confusing than it seems, and I’m sure anyone around would be more than happy to help you.”

Freshman year is a great time to start getting involved in high school activities. Being active in your first year helps you discover what you might be interested in and enhances your high school experience. Make sure to build friendships and try to find people that you identify with during this time, as it will give you a sense of belonging and reduce stress. Getting acclimated to the new environment and routine can be helpful. It can be good to loosen up a little, but you should still focus on your academic obligations.

This year be sure to stay on top of schoolwork and continue with the core classes. Set up a time management plan to stay organized, minimize anxiety and increase your productivity. You should take advantage of other different classes offered here, especially since you will not know what you are good at until you try it. Continue to pursue activities that interest you. Sophomore year is a transitional period that will provide you with a good foundation for the next two years.

Q&A

Which grade is the hardest? -Mason Tillott (9) “It depends. Junior year was the hardest because I had to raise my GPA. If I would’ve worked harder my freshman and sophomore year, I wouldn’t be stress out trying to make up for it later on.” -Bee Boyer (12)

What should we do to make sure we don’t fall behind in our classes? -Angel Briones (9) “Write things down in a planner, notes app, etc. at the beginning of the week so you can see when you have time for things and better organize your time.” -Kelsey Lynch (12)

I’m worried for my time management, since I am taking as many advanced classes as I can, I feel as though I will struggle in balancing my social and school life. -Tyler Smith (8) “Making a calendar, notes, alarms or organizing helps me manage my time. In the morning I have alarms set to wake up and one for the time I need to leave the house by. I set reminders in my phone and write notes for homework and tests. I would say to kind of stay on a schedule or have a planned time when you do specific stuff like getting ready or when you do your English homework or something.” -Ashley Haberberger (12)

Is it a big leap between middle school and high school? -Mary Claire Albrecht (8) “YES! They made middle school much harder then what they need it to be! I had more work 8th grade year then any year in high school! However, it depends on your workload and how you get it done.” -Megan Barnett (12)

Junior year is known for commonly being the busiest year of high school. You will have more freedom with the classes and electives you choose. You will want to research colleges and take the ACT and/or SAT as part of your preparation for higher education. Try not to sweat the small stuff, because overthinking will only negatively affect your mindset. Taking it one day at a time is a beneficial philosophy to embrace. Give yourself time to take care of individual needs and rest when you need to.

Senior year is typically the most relaxed year for high school students. Many seniors and recent graduates say this is in fact their favorite year. Start the college application process and apply for scholarships if you can. Adding the final touches to your plans for college at this stage is crucial. You will want to enjoy and make the most of your time during your last year of high school. Occasionally take a moment to stop, look around you, and take it all in, because you will soon be missing your moments in high school.