The image of high school for many incoming freshmen is intimidating, and the first day can often seem like a nightmare. However, many freshmen have successfully managed the beginnings of their high school career.

Freshman Julia Schwendenmann admits to being a bit worried in the beginning, but confirms, “It’s not what I expected… not nearly as scary. It’s a lot like middle school, just bigger.”

So what is it about high school that makes the concept seem so big and completely alien? Many students claim that it’s the size, and others say it’s the amount of new people. How do you meet all these people? How do you find your way around the school while navigating through the sea of unfamiliar faces?

The key seems to be getting involved. Joining teams, clubs, and even just associating with upperclassmen seems to make the transition much easier. Jon Shafto, also an incoming freshman, seems to have this idea down pat; he’s joined the JV soccer team and is already a student council representative for his class.

Shafto wasn’t fazed by the transition, and he says he has his older brother– Nate Shafto, senior– to thank.

“He helped me out a lot. He told me what to expect , so I wouldn’t be surprised. I know a lot of seniors because of him.” Though most of his friends are from his own grade, Shafto said soccer has helped him meet a lot of upperclassman, and establish many friendships.

When it comes to classes, many freshmen find the new courses to be appealing.  Schwendenmann said it was comforting to be in Honors and AP classes, because she knew that other people were there to work. The more difficult classes provide a better learning situation and a faster pace.

“It’s a lot more serious, but not insanely harder,” she said.

Both Shafto and Schwendenmann are in the AP Human Geography and Honors English 9 dyad, and say that although the workload is more, they feel that they have a handle on it.

Mallory Barrett feels the same, saying that even though it was a bit of a change, she’s not concerned. Her main issue was simply getting around the school, saying, “You just need to find someone who knows where they’re going… after a couple weeks of following someone around, you can get it.”

Barrett laughed the subject off, noting that she enjoys the freedom students have in high school versus 8th grade. “The biggest change about high school is getting to carry my backpack around.”