A Fresh Start

As September is quickly and surely coming to a close, Natick High settles into another year of learning and adventure. To many students, this is both an exciting and stressful time of year, as they yet again learn to take on the responsibilities of a successful pupil while letting go of the comfort of summer vacation. The hallways seem as busy as ever, maybe even busier as everyone enjoys catching up. 

For the incoming freshman class of 2021, high school is both an exhilarating and intimidating change. As the upperclassman know, it’s nothing to be ashamed of if you get lost in the halls for the first month or two, forget where your CDS classroom is, or make other rookie mistakes. 

I decided to ask a friend of mine, now a senior, what her most embarrassing freshman experience was. She blushed and replied: “Walking into the wrong class!” I tried to hold back laughter, but I was sure that sometime during this year my friends may do the same. 

On the other hand, the senior class of 2018 must be experiencing the start of the school year in a drastically different way. I’m sure that many seniors are eager to escape Natick High, and others are sad to say goodbye. Regardless, senior year is looked at by many as the most stressful of the four years spent at high school. Between college tours, finalizing college apps, essay work, and more, seniors often end up overwhelmed and exhausted. 

Sophomores, you’ve been there and done that! Although you’re now familiar with the way the high school works, keep the importance of balance in the back of your head. Expand your horizons! Extracurriculars, sports, fundraisers, and other events are great ways to meet new peers and broaden your friend groups; something that will come in handy as college slowly approaches.

For you juniors, the race to prepare for college and you senior year are on! Begin to think which test will be better for you: SAT, ACT, or both? Organize, organize, organize. List colleges that you want to visit, design a timeline for the year ahead, and make sure to speak with your guidance counselor if you have any questions or inquiries. Familiarize yourself with the common application, and stay calm!

Any Advice?

Every student should feel safe, welcomed, and able to handle their school work. To combat this back to school anxiety, I decided to interview some teachers and ask them their thoughts and advice on returning to academics. Even though the advice provided is directed towards freshman and seniors, they are beneficial for any grade!

Interviewee #1: Librarian

Interviewee #2: 9th Grade English Teacher

Interviewee #3: Guidance Counselor

Q: What advice do you have for incoming freshman at Natick High?

Interviewee #1: Do your homework and seek help if you need it! Also, read as many books as you can — it increases your vocabulary and is a great way to relax!

Interviewee #2: Find a balance between school and friends, ask your teachers for help, and be nice to others.

Interviewee #3: The advice I would like to provide freshman is to find a balance! While academics are important, finding a sport/ club or activity that brings enjoyment, or even excitement is equally significant and hopefully rewarding. Don't be bashful about asking for help, or seeing a teacher after school, and building a relationship. High School can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself, and make changes that reverberate through the next four years!

Q: What is one thing that you wished you knew as a high school freshman? 

Interviewee #1: I wish I joined a club.

Interviewee #2: How important it was to do my homework.

Interviewee #3: I was often embarrassed to ask a question, until I realized other students had the same question, but were waiting for someone to ask it!

Q: What advice do you have for seniors this year at Natick High?

Interviewee #1: Make new friends outside your current group. This will help you navigate college.

Interviewee #2: Enjoy every moment, and don't forget to do your schoolwork once you've been accepted to college. 

Interviewee #3: Balance. Enjoy the year, and try not to be swayed by peer pressure and other students' plans or goals. More than ever each senior student has their own future plans, and sometimes it's hard to separate and remain focused on your personal plan!

Q: Is there anything you wished that you knew as a senior? 

Interviewee #2: How much my future student loans would cost me.

Interviewee #3: How quickly time passes and to enjoy every minute of it!

Q: What is your one major goal for this school year? 

Interviewee #1: To read a book from every bookshelf in here!

Interviewee #2: To get more done throughout the day and bring home less grading.

Interviewee #3: To practice what I preach - incorporate some work-life balance of my own!

Q: What’s your guidance to all the students having a hard time balancing school work and extra curriculums?

Interviewee #1: Turn off social media.

Interviewee #2: Use as much time as you can throughout the day (CDS, study) to get your schoolwork done, and don't be afraid to stay after with your teachers.

Interviewee #3: It is okay to say 'no', and not take on anything new. And it's imperative to seek help when you need it.

And if you prefer your advice short and sweet, I asked teachers for one word that students should keep in mind during the year.

Perseverance

Breathe

Hope

Discipline

Honesty

Good luck!

To conclude, it’s completely normal to feel stressed out and weighed down by the start of the school year. Everyone, despite what grade, age, or classes, will feel similarly, but all will change as you begin to find your ‘groove.’ I hope that Natick’s staff provided you with valuable tips! It is important to remember not to be afraid to ask for help with anything! If you’re dealing with something that you may need extra help with, don’t be scared to contact your guidance counselor, either. 

I hope everyone has a positive start to school; remember to stay safe, open minded, and enjoy yourself!