Freshman year: adjusting to a new environment

 Freshman year offers new opportunities, classes and social situations, which is often a big adjustment coming from middle school. 

“Looking back, I don’t know anyone who thought freshman year was the best year of high school,” senior Gershon Stein said. “It is an adjustment year, and you need to let yourself adjust to high school.” 

One of the best ways to adjust to this new environment, according to Gershon, is by finding a close group of friends through clubs and extracurriculars. Gershon, who was new in his freshman year, joined the Ethics Bowl club to meet people.

“You’re going through a very difficult, rigorous curriculum and you don’t really have a lot of close friends to talk to because it takes time to develop friendships,” Gershon said. “Remember that you will make friends and you will have close relationships, it just might take a little bit of time.” 

Senior Devyani Dharaniragada was new to the Lab community her freshman year and joined a lot of activities to make friends. 

Comparison was something that Devyani struggled with, especially since U-High is a very competitive environment. According to Devyani, it is important to find those who will be there for you and to always stay true to yourself. 

“I think joining a bunch of activities and just putting yourself out there is really important. Freshman retreat was also a place where I made a lot of friends,” Devyani said. 

While clubs and extracurriculars are a great way to meet new people, Gershon emphasizes the importance of spending time with family and friends and not overbooking yourself. 

“I take one day of the weekend where I don’t do any work, and then the rest of the weekend is work time,” Gershon said. “Friday night I’ll go out with my friends, and Sunday night I’ll go out with my grandmother, and then the rest of the weekend I spend working.” 

During freshman year, students must also decide whether they prefer to take four or five majors. 

“I think kids have to do what is right for them,” Gershon, who took five majors, said. “I think five majors are pretty manageable if you’re willing to put in a lot of work and long hours. I think it kind of also depends on what you want your work-life balance to look like.” 

Gershon also highlights that teachers are sometimes flexible about workload as they understand that students are adjusting to high school.

“I wish I knew that you get through it,” Gershon said. “Freshman year takes a long time to adjust to, but once you adjust to it, you’re ready for the sophomore year.”