Dear freshmen,
Welcome to high school! I know it may seem scary, different, and big, but soon enough you’ll see that high school is so, so much better than middle school. Trust me on this one. Once you get settled, which will only take about three weeks, you’ll realize that IHS is not that different than your old school, except that everything is bigger and better. More classes to choose from, more new people to meet, more clubs to join than ever before, and way nicer lockers. Seriously—everything is better than middle school.
As a senior, I can say all of this with confidence. For three years, I’ve walked the IHS halls, listened to thousands of lectures, run on the IHS courts and fields, joined various clubs, and swum during the infamous swimming units. I’ve learned a few things, to say the least. I wish I could have done some things differently, but I am also proud of a lot of what I have done and how I have handled different situations. I advise you take all the information you can from me and other upperclassmen, so you can have your best four years of education yet. Here are three pieces of advice for freshmen:
1. Join at least one new club
I know it sounds quite cliche, but joining a club is truly one of the best ways to make friends, meet new people, and learn about a topic you are interested in. I joined The Tattler during my sophomore year, but I wish I had joined during my freshman year! Clubs differ from sports in that you have more time to talk in an indoor setting. In other words, you’ll be able to hear the person better, make eye contact, and really get to converse with them. Sometimes in sports, it can be challenging to have meaningful conversations because coaches are yelling and you are constantly doing physical activity. In clubs, you have more of a chance to get one-on-one conversations that foster amazing friendships. Not to mention, when you meet the club members, you automatically have something in common: your interest in the club and what it has to offer.
2. Go to all the dances!
IHS hosts great dances. However, they do not come around often; there are only two dances a year for all grades: Homecoming and Winter Formal. I encourage you to attend as many dances as you can during the school year because you get to dance with your friends, eat free food, and of course get all dressed up (hello, ladies!). Really, they are a fabulous way to socialize and have a blast with your pals.
3. Learn about you
Freshman year is an amazing time to focus on yourself and your brand new high school life. Yes, you should definitely focus on your grades (this will impact you when you apply to colleges), but freshman year is equally about learning what makes you happy, what makes you interested, what leaves you inspired, and what leaves you itching to know more. You can find out all about yourself when you join clubs, sports, and other extracurriculars because you will be put in situations you have never been put in before. Through gaining new experiences, you will learn how you handle these circumstances and therefore learn who you are as a person. You will also find out what you like and don’t like. Make freshman year your discovery year.
I hope this brief letter helped you in some way. I want you to know that you are not alone in anything you are feeling right now; if you are scared, nervous, or worried, know that the person next to you during your first day is probably feeling the same way. Also know that upperclassmen are here to help you, and you can always ask us for help in the hallways if you need help finding a classroom or a bathroom, or whatever you need! We, and the entire IHS community, are here for you. Reach out to teachers, upperclassmen, or other staff when you need help or just somebody to talk to. Let’s make your freshman year your best yet, together!
Sincerely,
Fiona Botz