Irene Hong (285)
News Editor

Schedules, classes, the building, clubs, IDs, planners, time management, showcases, events, sports, friendships, the pool on the 5th floor— Central’s controlled chaos can be difficult to navigate. At the very least, it is an adjustment. I asked several sophomores, juniors, and seniors to offer some tips for any freshmen looking for some mentorship. Here’s what they said.

On classes and extracurriculars: 

“Don’t procrastinate on big assignments just because they have longer due dates. Things will start to pile up. You’ll hear about new tests and homework and get really overwhelmed.”Corinne Gustafson (285)

 “Try not to push your homework to the next day!” Z (286) 

“Just because others say a class is easy, doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. Take classes only if you are interested in them. You will have so much more fun and put more energy into your work. Freshman year is hard to adjust to, but it gets easier as you go on. Try your best! You got this!” Saanvi Sheth (285) 

“Join clubs! They can really help you form bonds. Schoolwork is so important but it’s also essential to make sure you have time for the activities you love.” Kala Ramji-Nogales (285)

On what they wish they had known as a freshman: 

“Make sure mental health is a priority.” Nico Cruz (284) 

“Make sure to start talking to your counselors early and forming bonds with your teachers, specifically your advisors, as they can assist you later on in your high school career. Additionally, don’t stress about making tons of friends, but focus on making a few good ones!” Natalia S. (285) 

“Build strong relationships with your classmates and make lots of friends. Their perspectives will help you gain new knowledge and you’ll always learn from them.” Habiba Mahmoud (285) 

“Join extracurriculars, because they are fun, but more importantly to build close bonds with other students. These relationships are great when you need advice on a class, help with homework, or even just someone to look out for you. In the long run, these other students will be your #1 supporters when you need help regarding Central.” Sasha Berney (285) 

“Surround yourself with people that inspire you to work harder.” Jocelyn Djunaidi (285) 

“Always advocate for yourself because there’s not always going to be someone reaching out and asking if you need help… Your assistant principal, principal, counselors, and teachers are there to listen but they can’t just make assumptions about certain things. You have to go out and really show that you need it and mean it, because that’s the only way your voice is going to get heard.” Synai Rorie-Hands (285)

Fun Extras!: 

“Don’t get addicted to Dunkin’!” Valerie Q. (284) 

“Never let your happiness depend on the vending machine. It’ll either be empty or thirty cents more than last year.” Varjak Zeleniak (285) 

“Take freshman year seriously.” Jesslynn Ong (285) 

No matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going, the Central community is here to support you. 287, enjoy your freshman year and make the most out of it!