Everly Brewe (286)

It’s no surprise high school is hard, and Central is no exception. For freshmen, the first year is especially difficult. It can be hard to make connections in the new environment while simultaneously trying to find the swimming pool older students keep telling you about. Alisha Gill (286) says, “It’s stressful, adjusting to the workload while trying to make new friends when it seems like people already have groups they connect with.” She wonders how students get work done and have time for themselves, friends, and other obligations. 

Alisha thinks Central could help freshmen transition by arranging social events to help with making friends. The school has tried to help students, but these opportunities aren’t clearly or widely communicated. Alisha didn’t know about Freshman Tea, a club fair at Central, until two days before the event. She hadn’t even heard of the summer bridge program, which allows students to meet new people and get acclimated to the workload before the school year begins. It was a good opportunity to help prevent the issues she has been facing as she transitions. She suggests that faculty members send reminder emails, arrange more events closer to the beginning of the school year, and dedicate time in class to get to know peers. Instead of starting the school year off with academic lessons, teachers and other staff could encourage students to connect and bond with one another more.

Mr. Julien, the 286 class sponsor, says he’s feeling confident about this school year; orientation, rosters, and administrative pieces that come with the beginning of the school year all went smoothly. When I asked Mr. Julien if he and President Davis, or any of the other administrative team, considered creating more social opportunities for freshmen to meet without the pressure of schoolwork lingering, he seemed interested and admitted he had never thought about the need. He enthusiastically responded though, “What I want is for students to get involved by joining clubs or sports.” 

Sarah Currie, a senior, agrees her freshman year was strange as well, especially because of COVID-19. She says, “The most valuable thing I learned was not to be afraid to talk to my classmates.” If you’re having a tough time as a freshman, it’s crucial to make connections with those around you. Freshmen have to be outgoing and willing to talk to other people. Remember, people aren’t out to get you.

Sarah is the captain of the mock trial team, treasurer for the Botanical Garden, a member of NHS (National Honor Society), and a part of the JSU (Jewish Student Union). Sarah claims her freshman experience improved when she joined a few of Central’s wonderful clubs. Central has a strong community of clubs and people with different interests. Joining them can bring you closer to people with similar interests. Students at Central are passionate about their extracurriculars, making it a great way to meet people and make friends. While Sarah claims she didn’t quite find “her people” until sophomore year, she’s happy with her high school experience so far. 

The schoolwork remains difficult, but that’s what Central is. It’s part of the deal. When you go to Central school, you sign up for hard work, and that can’t be expected to change. Sarah, the aforementioned senior, states, “As long as you pick the classes that are right for you, you’ll be fine.” It might take some time to adjust, but it should work out in the end. While it may be exhausting now, there will be opportunities to grow for yourself and to meet the people you fit with. All good things take time.