Common stereotypes often shape how we view the high school experience before it even begins. As the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year comes to an end, freshmen look back on how their school year began, what they expected, and what they might change going into their second semester.
Thank you to Mrs. Todorovic’s 9th grade English classes for answering my questions.
Q: What were you looking forward to at the start of the school year? Were your expectations met?
A:
| Theme | Count | General Sentiment |
| Social/Friends | 13 | Highly positive; most feel they are finding their tribe. |
| Academics/Programs | 9 | Driven by specific interests like Band, Art, or Sports. |
| Environment/Freedom | 5 | Appreciating One Lunch and the shift in schedule |
| No Expectations | 4 | Neutral; Just showing up |
| Humor/Outliers | 2 | Sarcastic/Joking |
Q: What has gone well for you so far this school year?
A:
| Theme | Count | General Sentiment |
| Academic Performance | 12 | Strong focus on grades, passing classes, and managing homework efficiently |
| Extracurriculars | 9 | High engagement in the Academy (VPAA), sports (gymnastics/basketball), and arts |
| Social Integration | 8 | Positive feelings of “feeling at home” and building solid friend groups |
| Survival/Basic Maintenance | 4 | Humorously focused on “not perishing” or just getting through the day. |
Q: Going into second semester, is there something you would change about your style, hair, attitude, the way you go about school and assignments? If so, what?
A:
| Theme | Count | General Sentiment |
| Academic Discipline | 14 | A desire to “lock in,” stop procrastinating, and manage time more effectively. |
| Aesthetics & Identity | 7 | Interest in changing physical appearance through hair dye, piercings, or clothing styles. |
| Personal Growth/Wellbeing | 5 | Focused on getting more sleep, being more positive, and avoiding social drama. |
| Satisfaction/Stability | 5 | Students who feel they are “perfect” as is or are currently unsure of future changes. |
