Hello, future and current Titans! Summer is coming to a close, which means we’re in for a fun year of endless homework assignments, three exams scheduled on the same day, and a plethora of other stressors that are just waiting to be unveiled.
On this first day, many wonder what to expect in the halls of Hall. There are many aspects to consider, and I thought it would be best to hear firsthand accounts from students.
What do they wish they knew? What could’ve helped them to feel more secure when walking into their first day? What are the true joys of high school?
The following is a collection of quotes from real students like you. Feel free to peruse these various and unique pieces of advice and consider them when becoming a Titan.
“I was super awkward as a freshman. One day, though, I decided to start a new trend– wearing all neon clothing. Head to toe. Even my socks! I was immediately chosen as the lead in the musical, the captain of the football team, and the principal of the entire school.”
“Honestly, if you’re texting a friend who sits across the room from you on your computer, it’s better to keep your notification sounds ON. Everyone will turn towards you in envy of your sheer confidence. I was the lamest kid in my class because I kept them off.”
“Eat every single meal that the cafeteria has to offer. Nobody has ever gotten a milk carton with chunks in it. Promise.”
“The alcoves near the auditorium are the best place to hang out and talk loudly with friends. They’re nowhere near the ISS room, and no security guards ever check over there.”
“I wish I had known that you shouldn’t attend a football game, concert, or theatre performance. Getting involved sucks. Just go to school and then go home.”
“Join every single club Hall has to offer. Young Democrats AND Young Republicans. Do theatre, choir, every sport… seriously. You’ll still have tons of free time!”
(Hm… these two seem sort of contradictory, don’t ya think? Moving on!)
“In sophomore year, I found out that if you get a bad grade on a test, you can just send an email saying ‘change my grade pls’ to your teacher, and they’ll do it!”
“I had such trouble navigating the hallways when I first got to Hall, but I very quickly learned that the best thing to do is to just politely ask each person if you could squeeze by them. They’ll happily oblige!”
“Everybody uses their lockers. I felt so embarrassed when I realized that every single locker was in use except mine, so make sure to keep that thing stocked. You’ll need to remember the combination all four years.”
There would be a solid ten pieces of advice, but I could only find nine willing volunteers since everybody else is enjoying their beautiful summer days by completing their Common Application and summer AP assignments. It’s just how high school goes, and you’ll learn to love it!
So, here’s a piece of advice from me— “These four years will fly by. Soak it in and make the types of memories that you want to remember – as long as you’re not trying to act too cool…or too quirky…or too much like yourself. Kidding! Be yourself, as strange as that you is.”
Don’t forget, it’s best to start following this advice as soon as possible. You never know how much you could help incoming freshmen next year with all your newfound wisdom.
Here’s to your success at Hall. As long as you follow these ten guidelines, you’ll be the talk of the halls in no time! Just look at me and my weird theatre kid friends staying until 5 pm for play callbacks! If we can survive, so can you.
