A lot of upperclassmen complain about the incoming freshmen, saying that they are too loud or too obnoxious. Well, what do the freshmen think of themselves? Do they think they are loud and obnoxious or do they think they are gentle and kind?
Being a freshman myself, I would describe myself as all of the above. However, I find it harsh when other people describe me. A lot of upperclassmen will talk about the freshmen – how clueless and dramatic they can be, but they never care to think if they were also that way during their freshman year.
Upperclassmen should put themselves in our shoes. We are already judged based on our personality and many freshmen feel stressed and overwhelmed because they are now at a bigger school and have bigger responsibilities. Did upperclassmen not feel like that once? Can they relate? It all can be very chaotic.
Another thing I notice as a freshman is on the first few days of school when one does not always know where they are going and they ask a teacher for help, sometimes they say: “You must be a freshman, do you know where you’re going?” Or “What grade are you in? A freshman? That explains it.” These little phrases can make me feel insecure as a freshman or feel ashamed because I may not know where I’m always going.
However, there are a lot of amazing experiences when becoming a freshman. The thought of having the chance to learn new languages, write stories, and participate in broadcast news is exciting and creates ideas for new schedules. For social people, meeting new students is a wonderful thing to look forward to in the new school year and there are extracurriculars to participate in. If one is joining a club for the first time, it can be a spectacular experience.
Everyone has some bad and some good days. It is definitely a process and journey, but having this experience not only helps me prepare for my sophomore year, but allows me to advise incoming freshmen on how to take their first year of high school more seriously and make it successful.
