Things You Need to Gear Up for Success

Must-haves for the new school year.

By CECILIA CHENG, PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

As Target fills its isles with Back to School supplies, it’s time to start preparing for the new school year. While some may enjoy Back to School shopping, it can be an overwhelming experience for many of us. Sometimes it’s not just notebooks and pens, who knows what else you’ll need throughout the year? Fear no more, because here are five essentials you will need for this upcoming school year that are not on your supply list.

But even if you have been playing ice-breakers all day, be sure to play this Bingo to see how prepared you are for the upcoming school year. Don’t forget to post your results on your Instagram story by Thursday, Aug. 10 and tag us @rhsknightwriters.

This is by far one of the most important things I have in my backpack. I cannot describe the number of times that I have walked into class soaking wet because it started randomly pouring outside. Now, I understand it might be a hassle having to carry around one more thing in your backpack, but, this will save you from getting soaked when it’s raining cats and dogs outside. As of July 28, you can get a collapsible umbrella on Amazon for under $10.

This has made handling my heavy work load much more manageable and was what saved me during my junior year. Personally, I prefer using digital calendars when orga nizing my schedule, especially Google Cal endar. I like having the flexibility to easily color-code due dates and test dates, along with the convenience of accessing it from any of my devices.

5. Headphones/Airpods

I never leave my house without my Air- Pods. This might not be an essential you would have thought of, but I needed them on so many occasions last year. Sometimes, you just need a break from all the chaos hap- pening at school. Putting in my AirPods and blasting music at lunch, or a break, always helps me de-stress, whether it’s before a big presentation or a test.

If I have learned anything from my time at Rob- inson, it is that you will get thirsty throughout the school day. You will need a sip of water after speed- walking across the school in five minutes under this Florida heat and of course, staying hydrated is super important for your health. I recommend getting a 32 oz insulated water bottle; your water will stay cold throughout the day and 32 oz is the perfect size. If you ever need more, there are always water fountains around the school (for the coldest water, use the one in the science hallway).

Dear Freshmen... From a Seasoned Senior

Hello, Fresh Meat!

By KEIRRA McGOLDRICK, OPINION EDITOR

A new school year means new be ginnings, new friendships and new experiences. To my dear freshmen, this coming school year can be an extremely scary time. However, there’s no need to fret; my senior self is here to assist you with an intro to your first year of high school.

The first thing that needs to be discussed is the topic of destruction around the school. In previous years, it seemed to have turned into a trend for lowerclassmen to be somewhat destructive around here, especially in the bathrooms. Let’s be extremely clear: destroying things around school does not make you cool or funny. We have a brand new school and your predecessors have endured “portacity” for almost two years. We deserve the beautiful new school we are receiv ing without having to worry about whether or not it will be ruined within a few months.

Adding on to things that do not make one cool or likable: running full speed down the halls like this is the Olympics. There is plenty of time to get between classes without having to sprint across campus. I somewhat un derstand the need to run though since there are some that decide to stand in the middle of the hallway with zero sense of self-awareness. Don’t be that person either, it’s just as bad if not worse than running around

Especially after COVID, I feel many things for school have moved digitally. Submitting assignments, checking for important updates and even taking tests are all online now. I would advise you to invest in a laptop (and case) that you can bring to school because your laptop will become your best friend. I’ve used a laptop almost every day of my junior year and I can most definitely say it has saved many hand cramps. Many stores are also having sales for laptops for students right now. I would recommend a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 or a MacBook Air. Even though this is a big investment, it will be worth every penny in the end.

Yet another important thing to heavily consider is personal hygiene. This of course is not directed to every incoming freshman, but to the select few that don’t think showering is necessary in this great Floridian heat and humidity. Please do this, if not for yourself but for the well-being of those around you, just please shower.

You may also think freshman year grades don’t matter that much and I hate to be that person to say “don’t let your grades slip,” but it must be said. In your position four years ago, I also thought they didn’t matter all that much, but I could not have been more wrong. Don’t do what I did and

I remember my first day of freshman year, absolutely terrified, and constantly getting lost.

As a part of this year’s freshmen, however, you have the benefit of a new school where everyone will be lost, so you won’t be alone. If you are confused at any point, don’t be afraid to ask, we upperclassmen won’t bite, I promise.

An amazing way to get into the groove of things pretty quickly is to get involved. Join clubs, sports and just other programs around the school. It may be cliché to say, but getting involved is the absolute best way to meet new people and be part of the bigger picture. The experiences from this will stick with you forever.

You’ve now come to the near end of this “letter” and may be thinking “none of this will be me, I’ll be different.” Trust me, you’re not, which is totally fine and expected. Everyone needs their weird freshmen phase and I say embrace it for the time being and learn who you are.

Let’s just face the facts for a moment: who you are now, no matter how great you are, will change over the next four years.

In my opinion, high school is the most amazing time to change as a person. My thought process as a senior is completely different than it was back in August 2020.

I’m a completely different person. I’ve matured during my time here, and so will you. If you’re nervous to start the new year, know you’re not alone on that, it will be all be fine, and if it’s not, you’ll recover.

Welcome to Robinson.

“Barbie” Is Kenough