Freshmen (and Sophomore) Advice
BY PRATIK GAZULA '21
I walked through the crowded double doors, carrying a backpack bursting with books, unsure what my first day of high school would look like, let alone the next four years. As I prepare for my senior year though, I’m truly amazed at how memorable and impactful high school has been so far.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to use the resources offered to you. Though AB houses a competitive environment, it has a strong support system, so take advantage of all available resources. If you can’t decide which courses to take, talk to your counselor. If you need extra help on classwork, find your teachers after class—they’re more than willing to help you. Don’t be afraid to talk to upperclassmen about their experiences and opinions either!
This year, students have chosen either hybrid (in-person) learning or remote learning. For those worried about virtual learning in high school, I recommend staying organized. Make Google Drive folders for every class—that way, you can quickly access your assignments when it comes time to review for cumulative exams. In classes like math, teachers will ask you to print worksheets and submit pictures of your work on Google Classroom. Put a date and section title for each printout. When a teacher asks you to look back at a previous lesson or study for an exam, they expect you to have all of it ready at the tip of your fingers.
For in-person learning, be sure to keep yourself healthy. Wear a mask (keep a couple of extras in your backpack), bring hand sanitizer, and be cautious who, where, and what you touch. Even the smallest bit of exposure could get you and others infected. Right when you get home, wash your hands, take a shower, and wipe down any objects (e.g. phone) that could transfer the virus. Remember, safety comes first!
Thirdly, stay productive. I cannot stress this enough: do not sit on your bed to join your Zoom calls. If you are not in a space dedicated for productivity, you’ll always have trouble retaining information. Do your homework right after class, and don’t procrastinate. Teachers can see when you submit work, and they will notice your work ethic, so being on time is key. DO NOT say you will finish homework later and then proceed to procrastinate for hours. It’s better to finish all of your work as soon as possible and spend the rest of the evening relaxing.
Next, make friends. Despite school being online, there are plenty of ways you can make new friends. Don’t be afraid to join a club or sport. There, you can meet others from different grades. Most clubs will still meet online, and some sports will hold practices at home and connect with their teams via Zoom. Many clubs also host competitions, conferences, and other events that you can attend! Reach out to your counselor or Ms. Dempsey to learn about the different extracurriculars at AB.
As a freshman, you still have time before you need to start worrying about colleges and the next chapter of your life. But if you want to get a head start, focus on 1) keeping your grades up and 2) getting involved in the community. Most of my friends wished they had joined more activities and worked harder freshman year. High school is all about exploring your interests and shaping your personality. Remember, your freshman year is your introduction year. You’re stepping into the pool, testing the waters, and finding the right path.
Phew! I know that was a lot to read through, so take some time to absorb all of it. For me, the past few years have gone by in a blink of an eye, and I don’t regret a single day of it. Freshman year is one of growth and experimentation, as well as love and hate. But no matter what anyone tells you, sit back and don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy your first year here at ABRHS!
One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to use the resources offered to you. Though AB houses a competitive environment, it has a strong support system, so take advantage of all available resources. If you can’t decide which courses to take, talk to your counselor. If you need extra help on classwork, find your teachers after class—they’re more than willing to help you. Don’t be afraid to talk to upperclassmen about their experiences and opinions either!
This year, students have chosen either hybrid (in-person) learning or remote learning. For those worried about virtual learning in high school, I recommend staying organized. Make Google Drive folders for every class—that way, you can quickly access your assignments when it comes time to review for cumulative exams. In classes like math, teachers will ask you to print worksheets and submit pictures of your work on Google Classroom. Put a date and section title for each printout. When a teacher asks you to look back at a previous lesson or study for an exam, they expect you to have all of it ready at the tip of your fingers.
For in-person learning, be sure to keep yourself healthy. Wear a mask (keep a couple of extras in your backpack), bring hand sanitizer, and be cautious who, where, and what you touch. Even the smallest bit of exposure could get you and others infected. Right when you get home, wash your hands, take a shower, and wipe down any objects (e.g. phone) that could transfer the virus. Remember, safety comes first!
Thirdly, stay productive. I cannot stress this enough: do not sit on your bed to join your Zoom calls. If you are not in a space dedicated for productivity, you’ll always have trouble retaining information. Do your homework right after class, and don’t procrastinate. Teachers can see when you submit work, and they will notice your work ethic, so being on time is key. DO NOT say you will finish homework later and then proceed to procrastinate for hours. It’s better to finish all of your work as soon as possible and spend the rest of the evening relaxing.
Next, make friends. Despite school being online, there are plenty of ways you can make new friends. Don’t be afraid to join a club or sport. There, you can meet others from different grades. Most clubs will still meet online, and some sports will hold practices at home and connect with their teams via Zoom. Many clubs also host competitions, conferences, and other events that you can attend! Reach out to your counselor or Ms. Dempsey to learn about the different extracurriculars at AB.
As a freshman, you still have time before you need to start worrying about colleges and the next chapter of your life. But if you want to get a head start, focus on 1) keeping your grades up and 2) getting involved in the community. Most of my friends wished they had joined more activities and worked harder freshman year. High school is all about exploring your interests and shaping your personality. Remember, your freshman year is your introduction year. You’re stepping into the pool, testing the waters, and finding the right path.
Phew! I know that was a lot to read through, so take some time to absorb all of it. For me, the past few years have gone by in a blink of an eye, and I don’t regret a single day of it. Freshman year is one of growth and experimentation, as well as love and hate. But no matter what anyone tells you, sit back and don’t take it too seriously. Enjoy your first year here at ABRHS!
