With the 2018-19 school year underway, we thought it would be beneficial to our new students to share some pearls of wisdom from a few of our veteran Eagles. Here’s how these student leaders responded to the question, “What are the five things I wish that I had known when I was a freshman?”

Claire Crafts ’20

1. Don’t focus on fitting in. Do what you love and always be yourself! That’s the best way to make friends.
2. You will inevitably go to the wrong lunch. Everybody messes up every once in a while. Shake it off and you’ll laugh about it later.
3. Don’t forget to smile even on the hardest days.
4. Freshman year can be hard, but try to enjoy it and not just get through it!
5. School is important, but always leave time for fun! Basketball and football games are amazing!

John Grayson ’19

1. Get involved! It is the best way to meet people
2. Make at least one friend in each class. It helps for studying and building relationships
3. Try to meet people from different groups/activities.
4. Go to the dances!
5. Don’t procrastinate!

Macy Lustig ’19

1) Every freshman is in the same boat and you aren’t the only person confused about how high school works.
2) Join clubs and other things outside of school because it is the best way to make friends.
3) The teachers are super friendly so you can ask them for anything you need help with.
4) Have fun. School is important but also making friends and hanging out together is super important to enjoy high school.
5) High school goes by so fast to don’t waste it!

Ashkaan Mahjoob ’19

1. The S Building has back stairs that are a lot less crowded than the front.
2. The A Building has hot water. In the winter, some of my friends would keep Hot Cocoa in their locker and make it from the A Building flow water machine.
3. Take advantage of office hours. Whenever I’ve needed help, my teachers have been so kind and available to help me with whatever I needed outside of class. Whether it’s not internalizing a math concept or needing a teacher to look over an essay, office hours definitely helped me better learn the material and improve without spending a ton of time on the tutor.
4. Attend as many activities as you can. It’s a great way to make friends, get involved, and have a lot of fun.
5. If you’re having trouble making friends, sign up for a club, sport, or activity that interests you. That’s an easy way to find people with common interests.

All of our new Eagles are encouraged to approach Claire, John, Macy, and Ashkaan with any questions they might have as they navigate the first few weeks of their new school. In fact, all returning Eagles are happy to help our new members of the Eagle family – so always feel free to reach out to any of our students!! Good luck, Eagles! Savor these moments and be sure to create many happy memories because you will be graduating before you know it!