We bet that at some point in high school, you’ve said to yourself, “I’m so ready to graduate.” But come senior year, there’s still a few of us that wish we could go back in time and not graduate as quickly. Both freshman and senior year bring different experiences, emotions, and changes. So, for our final “Controversial Takes” of this school year, we will give our opinions on which year we prefer.
In this article, we discuss the following question:
Is freshman or senior year better?
| Freshman Year | Senior Year |
| 1. A Fresh Start: Freshman year is the start of a new chapter in your life. You are introduced to a brand-new school, and you enter the world so often depicted in movies. You meet new teachers, feel cooler after learning what the “quad” is, and learn little tricks that help you survive the next four years. After getting lost for a few days, you are able to walk the halls with a newfound confidence and energy only a freshman can have. Entering high school means that you are introduced to a bunch of new faces which allows you to open your social circle. While you are not given much choice regarding your schedule, you are allowed one elective period which allows you to dip your toes into the endless opportunities offered at IHS. Freshman year allows you to let go of any past grievances or regrets that you had in middle school and start anew. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get picked up by a senior on the way and be blessed with their four years of knowledge. | 1. Seniority: After (miraculously) making it through three long years of high school, you’ve earned your seniority crown. Need an open space to socialize with friends? Use your senior privileges and make your way to H-Courtyard. Need a quick pick-me-up to get you through the day? Take a walk to the Botanist or the Commons to grab a snack, because you have senior privileges that allow you to leave campus. Stuck in a long lunch line? Look down at the freshman right in front of you and tell them that you’re a senior and they’re sure to allow you to budge all the way to the front of the line. Seniority also gives you the ability to experience once-in-a-lifetime events such as Senior Sunrise, Casino Night, and Senior Assassin. Seniority isn’t just a title; it’s a privilege you’ve earned. It establishes your hierarchy in high school to ensure respect for your status. |
| 2. Less Work and Stressors: At the beginning of your high school career your workload is at its absolute minimum. You can pass a class by just showing up and listening with a few small homework assignments here and there. Your biggest worries are a few honors assignments occasionally and you typically spend two hours max on homework each night. Freshman year is the time to try out new clubs and discover your interests to prepare yourself for the next four years of high school. You have the time after school to hop around to different clubs that may pique your interest without worrying about staying up late to finish assignments. You don’t have an abundance of midterms or Regents exams to take and you definitely do not have an AP exam to drain your life force. Freshman year is a taste of high school life without sending you over the edge and it is a moment you should treasure dearly. | 2. Senioritis: While “senioritis” is normally given as an excuse not to stay caught up with schoolwork, it can have some benefits. Instead of doing work, hopefully you are spending that time going out with friends, spending quality time with family, or working on a hobby that you enjoy. In the long run, missing a few assignments here and there won’t matter too much (as long as you don’t miss too many), but the memories you make with the people you care about or through the hobbies you truly enjoy will be what you cherish the most. |
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