By MATTHEW ROTHSTEIN
Each year, incoming freshmen enter Jericho High School with feelings of excitement and anxiety. Adjusting to the new social and academic challenges is essential for incoming high school students.
High school is harder than middle school, but freshman Sujay A. likes high school better. “There is a lot more work, but you also get to wake up later,” he said.
Additionally, many students feel that there is much more academic pressure on high school students, which leads to an increase in stress levels. Freshman Ryan S. believes this is true. “I get a lot of pressure because all the grades count for college,” he said.
Ninth grade global history teacher Mr. Coval acknowledged the heavier high school workload and said, “The work is more challenging in high school, and the teachers expect more of the high school students.” He also believes that freshmen must work on becoming more self-reliant. “Students have to become more independent thinkers and learners, but I believe that it is a slow process and one that we recognize here in the high school,” Coval said.
Although acclimating to the social and academic aspects of high school can be tough, there are many people in the high school who can help students adjust. Teachers are the main source of support. Freshman Alex C. said, “The adjustment has been very smooth and I have had very nice teachers and they have been helping me.” Additionally, freshman Alanna P. said her teachers “help me and they have taught me ways to study.”
Another useful resource for freshmen is to talk to upperclassmen and become friendly with them through extracurricular activities. Junior Lauren K. says “Freshmen should talk to new people and maybe play sports.” Senior Tamar B. thinks it’s important to look out for her younger peers. “I like to make sure they are doing things that benefit them like keeping up on homework and assignments and maintaining a good study schedule,” she said.
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