INSCAPE Student Edition Vol.71 Freshman Issue |August 2021
I wish I knew then what I know now Moira Cosme, Mary Philip and Aine McIntyre
Moira:
When people say “high school goes by so fast,” it’s more than just a cliche--it’s really true. I wish I knew my freshman year that the events we have aren’t just for the upperclassmen. I was scared of participating in events like Mac2School and being in the fan section for games because I thought it was more for the older students. It’s not! Even though the freshmen are forced all the way to the back (it’s nothing against you, just the policy) and yelled at to cheer louder, it’s still fun to dress in theme and support your school. When COVID-19 took over last school year, I realized how many fun events I took for granted. Not only is attending events a good way to get a feel for what McAuley really is, it’s a good way to meet people and bond with your classmates. Overall, my advice to you is make the most out of the four years you have here.
Mary:
A strong foundation to a great four years at McAuley stems from an efficient start to your freshman year. Although it seems like--in the grand scheme of things--freshman year won’t
matter at the end of your McAuley journey, it does. If you are putting your best foot forward in your schoolwork, this will reflect in your grades and your GPA. It is so important that you are thinking about the payoff of your hard work. When senior year approaches and you have to apply to colleges, you want to feel like you gave it your all. You want to feel confident about your GPA and proud of how hard you worked rather than regret slacking off freshman year. In order to succeed, stay on top of your schoolwork. Your first year of high school can be a struggle. If you find yourself in a state of panic, or you begin to fall behind, take a deep breath. There is a solution to your problems. First, you should be proactive and see your teacher with any concerns you have. The first step is to utilize the various resources available at McAuley. The math, science and writing centers are all here to assist you with your questions. This will keep you ahead of the game and assist you in working your hardest your first year of high school. Doing the most for yourself during your first year will be one of the best decisions of your high school career.
Aine:
As the school year progresses, it becomes challenging to not feel twinges of jealousy or anxiety when someone else does better on a test, is involved in more extracurricular activities, or gets a higher grade in a class than you. It is important to remember that you are you; you are not them. You are going to succeed and do well in your own time--just like your classmates will--and holding onto any sort of resentment of your peers will only serve to hurt you. Celebrate your victories large and small, and be happy for everyone else’s. Anxiety is at an all-time high for most students right now. By focusing on things you can control, productive thinking, finding ways to increase chances of success, how you carry yourselves and treat everyone, will only do you good. Challenge yourself to eliminate unhealthy coping skills like gossiping or complaining. Make time to manage your stress, exercise, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep. These are things that will help you operate efficiently and combat self-doubt and endless rumination.
graphic by Jo Gomez and Julia Earley
Annie Duggan, Cat Ohle, and Claire McGrath
Not only are we able to use our lockers this year, but we were also granted permission to continue using our backpacks to transport our books throughout the school day. It’s a popular debate as to which is more convenient! While some students rely on going to their lockers every few periods, others rely on their backpacks and avoid visiting their lockers as much. “I personally like carrying backpacks because I don’t have to go to my locker and it’s so much easier to have everything you need and I’m never late to
classes because I’m not going to my locker all the time,” Lauren Angus 12 states. Some students view having backpacks as more convenient than just using lockers, while others think backpacks are a pain and too heavy to hold all day. “I would rather just use my locker like how we did freshman year.” Julia O’Donnell 12 says. “I only would go to my locker twice a day and it was easy to carry around a few notebooks instead of hauling a heavy backpack.”
Freshman Issue 2021
graphic by Gabriella Martin and Daniella Hall
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It all started with Twizzlers Elena Fernandez and Mairead O’Carroll
Mairead:
The day before I would enter McAuley for the first time as a freshman, the Freshman Picnic was held outside in the parking lot in front of the auditorium. I was so nervous to branch out and meet new people, as very few girls from my grammar school would be attending with me. I felt lost and insecure as I didn’t have the security of my close-knit group of friends I had known from grammar school. Little did I know I would meet some of my best friends there before I even started the first day. After I was finished eating and nervously chatting with some of my future classmates, it was time for games. We were put into groups with our homeroom class--mine being second period Biology -and unfortunately for me, I saw no familiar faces. We all introduced ourselves with the usual icebreakers like our names and fun facts. Then we were told to find a partner for one of the games, and I nervously looked around for someone to join with in order to avoid the embarrassment of being alone. Finally I saw someone who was alone like me and I mustered up the courage to go up to her, say hi, and ask to be partners. This girl I played the Twizzler game with is still one of my best friends going into senior year. I am so thankful I met her that day and that I came to McAuley and met so many friends over the years who will last a lifetime.
Elena:
Stepping into McAuley since the placement test, I was extremely nervous. I had zero friends and knew no one. ZERO. NO ONE. NADA. It was the day of the Freshman Picnic, and I tried my best to walk in with good energy and positivity. But it was all fake. I was super anxious and intimidated by the fact that I had zero friends and literally everyone, and I mean EVERYONE knew someone. I still had yet to meet a single soul. I sat awkwardly and watched other McAuley girls have a good time at this great event. It was time for the freshman to head to the field and play games the Student Ambassadors were running. I reluctantly went to my assigned group and tried my best to participate in the games. It was the second activity, the twizzler game, where we had to partner up and try to tie the candy into a knot. My nervousness skyrocketed as I had no idea who to partner up with. Then, all of a sudden this girl came up next to me and said, “Hey, wanna be partners?” In my head I screamed “YES,” but naturally I acted cool and said, “sure.” We talked a lot after and then I found we were in the same homeroom together. That game jump started a great friendship with the girl that I am currently writing this article with and we are best friends to this day.
graphic by Ciara Hosty and Lisette Corral
MAC TEACHER THROWBACK KEY: 1. Ms. McCauley 4. Mrs. Fitzpatrick 2. Senora Rollheiser 5. Mr. Bochenczak 3. Mrs. White
Freshman Issue 2021
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graphic by Lily O’Connor, Evelyn Ivers and Keira Jarrett