Freshman year is commonly regarded as a big change for students entering the Upper School. Students have most of their classes in new buildings, are meeting many new students and are undertaking more classes than they previously had in Middle School.
“I was really nervous on the first day with all the new buildings and classes,” freshman Eden Collins said.
Freshman Cate Simpson says she found ways to overcome the mixed emotions surrounding her first day by checking MyGreenhill constantly to stay on top of her schedule.
“We have to check MyGreenhill much more often this year,” Simpson said. “But it has really helped.”
The preseason practices for fall sports provided a helpful transition for some of the freshmen as they got to know some of their peers before school started.
Simpson had summer practices for girls varsity field hockey. She says this helped her connect with peers prior to entering Upper School.
“It was really nice to get to know people before school actually started,” Simpson said. “Now, if I have a question about my classes I can talk to the sophomores.”
Freshman Tiger Zhao, who is on the football team, also says that these practices were extremely helpful.
“Football preseason helped me make friends and meet new people,” Zhao said.
Additionally, Zhao said that Link Crew, a system created to help new Upper School students connect with older students, was another way the transition to Upper School was made easier for freshmen.
“Link Crew helped me learn how to navigate the school and the leaders are really helpful for answering questions,” Zhao said.
On the first day of classes, Link Crew members wore different colored shirts so that the freshmen could easily spot them to ask questions or for help navigating the school.
“The Link Crew shirts the Link Leaders wear on meeting days really encouraged freshmen to come up and ask for help,” junior Nia Harrison said.
Upper School schedules also introduce the ability for students to have a free period or study hall period, which is new for some freshmen.
“Free periods help me get a lot of work done at school, and I can also work on projects with friends,” Zhao said.
Simpson also says she appreciates the extra free time in the morning.
“I have A Block off, so it is nice because in the mornings after field hockey practice I can just take my time and relax before the day starts,” Simpson said.
Freshman Somya Gehani says she feels that her future is being greatly impacted by this year.
“I’m finally deciding what I want to do with my life and what I want to study,” Gehani said. “All the choices I make at school have a bigger effect on me now.”
