Student Advice

Advice for the Freshman

By Opinions Editor, Maggie Reifsnyder (‘27)

Starting high school can feel overwhelming. With larger classes, complex schedules, and demanding school work, it is normal to feel lost at first. From my experience, there are multiple ways to make the transition seamless. 

One way is to try out for sports teams. Did you play sports in middle school? Are there any new sports you want to try? O’Connell offers various sports… freshman, junior varsity, and varsity levels. Sports are a great way to meet new people and even earn physical education credit, just remember to submit a physical before tryouts. 

Another way to get involved is to join clubs. O’Connell offers a wide selection of clubs from service and sports to art, music, and culture. Joining a club is an effective way to gain new skills and connect with students who share common interests. Club meetings are also a good setting for meeting new people outside of the classroom. 

It helps to get to know your teachers. Classes get challenging this year, but our teachers are always willing to help. It can seem intimidating to ask for help, but it is always better to ask earlier, rather than later. Teachers want to see students succeed, so reach out. Knight Time is the perfect opportunity to stop by, get extra help, study, or even complete homework.

It is crucial to stay organized in high school because students are expected to be punctual with work. Teachers will not track down missing assignments, so it’s up to students to keep up with deadlines. Using a planner or notes app to create to-do lists is essential for managing deadlines. With consistent organization, students can manage the workload comfortably and focus on doing their best.