Do you remember your first day of high school? How was it? Was it the setting point for your high school experience, or just another day?
North Augusta High School’s freshman class of 2024 has experienced something completely new—they have transitioned to a two-day-per-week schedule, a seemingly more complicated school setting, and the uncertainty of club and extracurricular involvement, all whilst dealing with the typical high school transition. They are given less class time to adapt to new learning expectations and are finding it more difficult to make friends than ever before. Both Amanda Morrison, grade 9, and Cassidy Haney, grade 9, note the reduced student and faculty population, and thereby limited access to their friends and teachers, as a unique factor reflecting the differences of this school year.
Aside from the changes brought upon by COVID-19, there have been several notable differences between the middle and high school experiences of the Class of 2024. Perhaps the most prominent ones are the course rigor and teaching styles. Genny Beavers, grade 9, explains, “The main difference I see between high school and middle school is what the teachers expect of you.” In a high school setting, she states “They expect you to have your materials out at the beginning of class and always be on time.” She also states that high school teachers tend to be less lenient than her former middle school teachers. “They definitely don’t play around with late assignments,” says Morrison. Additionally, Lauren Bell, grade 9, discusses the increase in workload, as she is currently enrolled in several Advanced Placement courses. There is no question that high school is its own unique learning environment; all of us have at one point faced a challenge, whether that means rushing to submit an assignment seconds before it is due, struggling to grasp a new concept, or earning less than what was expected on an assessment. Each, starting with our first brave steps into the daunting North Augusta High School hallways, contributes to our academic and personal development.
Another notable change is the location. Understanding bell schedules and finding one’s way around is not easy, but this is exaggerated for those who have never or only rarely visited the school. Freshman Orientation is always a great way for freshmen to learn more about their classes before they begin. When asked how she learned to navigate the school, Amanda responded, “I found all of my classes but it wasn’t without a little bit of help. I had gone to the school and walked around prior to the first day.” Beavers and Bell also provide valuable insight, saying that despite the larger school size, you become accustomed to the distance and direction of class changes.
Even though the first few weeks may have been difficult, high school brings freshmen a new sense of excitement, due to the offering of numerous clubs, sports, and activities. For example, Haney looks forward to the soccer season, while Morrison looks forward to “cheering at the JV football games and attending the varsity games.” Bell similarly states, “I look forward to going to high school football games and dances with my friends.” High school is the perfect place to further explore one’s interests and to try new things.
The first day of high school is the start of a new experience, and the class of 2024 has been making the best of it. While there have been challenges, they have adapted well to the changes of the school year.
Photo Credit: Ann Marie Partl
Display in Freshman Wing of North Augusta High School
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