Freshmen are getting into the swing of their new schedules, workloads, and classmates. The transition from middle to high school can be thrilling, but also intimidating. 

“[Transitioning to high school hasn’t] affected me much apart from not having many classes with my friends,” said freshman Sydnee Isobel Isidro.

The academics haven’t been a struggle for Isidro, but not seeing her friends very often has made the transition a little tougher. Isidro noted that One Lunch is the one and only way she can spend time with her old friends. 

Freshman John Diwa also noted that he sees his friends “a lot during One Lunch,” but “because of all the freedom we have, no one really stays in the same place.”

Diwa is one of only two freshmen on the volleyball team. 

“It was awkward in the beginning because everyone already knew each other, but the original members from last year were all very welcoming,” said Diwa. “There was only one freshman on the team last year, so I do feel like I’ve accomplished something.”

One of the biggest benefits of high school is the number of people in the building. There are more opportunities to meet people and get involved.

“I’ve gotten a lot more friends [by participating in sports],” said Diwa. “I also think it’s helped me grow my friendship with my current friends and our group.”

Transitioning to high school also means that freshmen are now surrounded by more socially mature peers. These peers, with more experience and emotional intelligence, serve as an example.

“I think that [being surrounded by more socially mature peers is] a positive thing, and I think the further into the year I go, the more I’ll adjust and get used to it,” said Diwa.

High school is full of new people, new experiences, and new discoveries. The more rigorous academics, making new friends, and just plain growing up doesn’t come without its struggles, but in the long run, these challenges make us who we are.