Article Text
Starting high school can be intimidating, from navigating unfamiliar hallways and tougher classes to finding friends and worrying about college. But as McLean seniors finished their last day of school, they said freshmen should embrace new experiences without letting the pressure consume them.
Senior Hayden Schweikert initially feared the move from middle school into a new environment. Arriving three weeks early helped him meet people and discover how welcoming the school could be.
“You just have to take a chance on some people and just step out of your comfort zone,” Schweikert said.
Senior Aashna Kapur remembered feeling anxious about both high school’s social dynamics and the college applications waiting years ahead. She often turned to older students for guidance.
Academically, seniors warned that missing work can quickly become difficult to overcome. Schweikert said he fell behind during his freshman year because he did not take assignments seriously enough at first.
“Don’t be stressed out by the fact that these grades matter, but don’t get too comfortable,” he said.
Students also encouraged freshmen to seek help from teachers. Kapur said the adults at McLean want students to succeed and can become valuable sources of support when students make the effort to communicate with them.
Good habits are especially important in a high-achieving community, Kapur said, where students can easily feel overwhelmed or believe they are falling behind. Managing time, staying organized and developing effective study routines can make schoolwork and extracurricular activities easier to balance.
Seniors cautioned against allowing academics to dominate the entire high school experience. Senior Julie Daniel recommended attending school events and trying the activities McLean offers while still making schoolwork a priority.
Clubs and sports can help freshmen build connections around shared interests. Schweikert found that sense of community in theater, where he said participants were warm and welcoming. He urged younger students to accept some discomfort and explore programs that interest them.
“This is your time to explore what you want to do past high school and within high school, so never never say no to an opportunity,” Schweikert said.
Students said freshmen should not expect to establish a perfect social circle immediately. Friendships and priorities can shift throughout high school, and remaining open to new people can make those changes easier.
Balance was the lesson Kapur most wished she had understood sooner. Academic success and extracurricular involvement matter, she said, but students should avoid taking on too much at the expense of their mental health or personal lives.
“Remember, high school is supposed to be fun,” Kapur said. “It’s supposed to build your sense of self.”
Her final advice was to keep everyday drama in perspective. Four years can pass quickly, and worries that once seemed enormous may eventually feel much smaller.
“It’s never that serious,” Kapur said. “At the end of the day, we’re all here for similar goals, so just be kind.”