High school: a place where students can learn about themselves through interest clubs and sports and learn about their strengths and weaknesses through a wide range of classes. They can also learn lifelong skills and make steadfast friends. But with close to 800 new faces at Eastlake, what do they have to say about their new environment?
BIGGEST DIFFERENCES:
High school can be a different experience than middle school, but how does it contrast? Some may say that it’s a change in curriculum, high school starts preparing students for college, whereas middle school is a bridge between elementary and high school. Others say it’s the schedule shift between schools, with more classes and longer periods.
Most of the freshmen commented on the amount of freedom given. “I feel like the biggest difference is having to figure more out on your own” (Kabella Kemp, Grade 9). Some stated this was a good thing, others thinking it would make school harder. Along with this, the workload also changed, “For me, I think the biggest difference was the workload, because in middle school it was much easier to finish homework and turn it in, but in high school the teachers grade much harder and the projects require more time outside of school” (Ayla Caywood, Grade 9).
IS HIGH SCHOOL STRESSFUL:
Movies make high school look differently from reality in various ways. But high school being stressful is a given. For many, it’s the first time they’re treated as an adult and are taught to prepare for college and their career.
The majority agreed that high school is a stressful experience, even this close to the start of the year. But what specifically can make high school so tense? Most kids commented on the amount of work given. One student stated, “The extra homework piling up and the number of tests and clubs are a big factor” (Ananya Karthik Rabindranath, Grade 9).
FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE CLASSES:
There are many different interests to explore in high school, whether a student is starting to dive more into a subject they know you love or finding something new a student enjoys. High school has many opportunities to find what makes you excited to learn. But with this, there are also classes that may be boring. With so many different classes, let’s see what freshmen had to say.
It always depends on the person, some saying classes they chose to join were more fun for them, like 2D art and ASL, both being less stressful classes. But what about least favorite? Most said biology, stating “It feels like we get so much homework and then I don’t have enough time to do it” (Maddy Pittman, Grade 9).
BEST AND WORST PARTS:
This being first month, freshmen have experienced a roller coaster of highs and lows. Starting with the lows, they said they disliked the amount of homework and tests. Stating, “The amount of time it takes up is the worst. Between study and doing homework and participating in club and projects, there is hardly any time for breaks. Honestly, it’s pretty stressful the entire week and even on weekends I’m struggling to catch up on work” (Samantha Tonkins, Grade 9) What about the highs? Most agree on the same thing, the people, friends, and social events. Students also commented on the student driven aspect, saying, “Middle school didn’t really have much of a choice of the things they wanted to do, but high school is all about working on the things you love and want to do when you grow up” (Mia Glaister, Grade 9)
This new world that the freshmen have entered has many entertaining and mundane components, like the workload and homework coming off as too much. But the social events and friends you make can counter that. Students finding passion and friends is what make high school so special.
