As the second week of school comes to a close, it’s important to discuss the changes that accompany the start of a new school year. Whether you are a freshman, senior, or anything in between, transitioning into another school year can feel overwhelming. However stressed you may feel, it’s important to appreciate what the beginning of school brings. It’s the beginning of fall sports, club recruitments, new classes, and a chance to start the year off in the right direction.
For seniors, it’s the beginning of the end. For freshmen, it’s the beginning of something new, and for sophomores and juniors, it’s another opportunity to make new memories.
Regardless of what grade you’re starting, the novelty of the school year can feel intimidating. To help students navigate all the ups and downs that come with transitioning into a new school year, we interviewed some seniors about their high school experiences and what advice they have for the grades below.
One of the biggest takeaways from the upperclassmen is that high school is a time to explore who you are. Getting involved in activities outside of class can help you make friends and explore your interests.
“My advice is to just go for it,” S.O. President Romi Lipzin (’26) said. “Send that text, sign up for that club, run for that position in student government. You’ll regret not taking the chance, and you only live once, so take every opportunity you get and try new things.”
Similarly, Orli Rosenstein (’26) advises freshmen to explore different opportunities. “Try new things to find your interests, and don’t be hesitant to do things outside of your comfort zone,” she said.
While involving yourself in extracurriculars is important, it’s also important to push yourself academically. Many seniors emphasized the importance of trying your best to be consistent and organized in your classes. By establishing good habits like completing work in advance, the stress of school can feel a lot less overwhelming.
Jenna Yanofsky (’26) emphasized the importance of consistency, stating, “Staying on top of your work will help ease your stress throughout your high school years.”
While some seniors emphasize the importance of exploring new extracurricular activities and striving for academic excellence, many have also stressed the value of maintaining a balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of schoolwork or to take on too much at once, so figuring out how to use your time wisely can make all the difference.
“Do what you enjoy,” Shira Vachnich (’26) said. “Try to find a balance between your schoolwork and extracurriculars so that you can get the best out of both.”
The last big idea that several seniors talked about was appreciating the present. Between the stress of grades, practices, and assignments, it’s easy to forget that high school is temporary.
“Enjoy every moment because high school certainly goes by fast,” Spencer Zuckerman (’26) said.
Beyond the typical learning aspect of school, appreciating every moment spent with friends, teammates, and classmates is a crucial part of your high school experience.
We hope that these pieces of advice will help you to explore your interests, branch out, and stay on top of things. Make sure to savor every second of high school because time truly does fly by.
