As the second quarter of the 2018-19 school year begins, the freshmen are feeling more and more settled into life as a high schooler by the day.
“High school has been pretty fantastic. There have definitely been some interesting parts, but overall I’m glad I didn’t drop out of school,” Maddi Barrientez said.
Transitioning from the middle school to the high school is a big change. There are many differences in which the freshmen must adjust to. Many of the freshmen are conflicted over which school they enjoy more.
“There’s many pros and cons to both schools. Like now we have a lot of freedom and more choices at lunch, but at the middle school we got to go outside a lot more and talk with our friends,” freshman Frankie Maulucci said.
While some freshmen prefer to take the middle ground on which school they enjoy more, others are more keen on high school.
“My favorite part about high school is seeing and meeting new people every day, but I also like how the classes are longer and I can procrastinate on my homework because we have each class every other day,” Barrientez said.
The change from 45 minutes to 1 ½ hour-long classes is arguably one of the biggest differences to adjust to between the two schools. Pauline Jonglertham seems to disagree with Barrientez’s opinion on the different schedule.
“While the longer class periods provide more time with the teacher and allow us to learn more, sometimes it seems to drag,” Jonglertham said.
Jonglertham enjoys being challenged academically. She believes the high school has done a much better job of doing so than the middle school.
“My favorite part has been the change in learning. I’m glad I chose to take honors classes because I now feel like the material I’m given pertains to my work ethic better. I appreciate the more intense learning environment I’m surrounded by,” Jonglertham said.
Blake Harrenstein is experiencing his first year not only at Hastings High but also at Hastings Public Schools. Harrenstein’s transition has been particularly difficult because he is not only changing from middle school to high school but to an entirely new school district. He is a transfer from Doniphan-Trumbull Public Schools.
“Hastings High is a lot more challenging than my previous school, but it’s getting easier with time,” Harrenstein said.
There are many clubs at Hastings High School in which students can partake in. Many of the freshmen believe that joining clubs definitely helps make the transition to high school go smoother.
“My favorite part of high school so far has been theatre. I’ve made a lot of friends, and I feel like I’m part of a family,” Maulucci said.
Being involved and joining clubs helps freshmen conquer one of the biggest obstacles when going to a new school, making friends.
“I would definitely recommend joining a club because they help you make friends fast,” Harrenstein, who is in History Club and Debate, said.
Having learned from her own mistakes this year, Jonglertham offers this advice to the freshmen for next year.
“Don’t slack off on your work, because due dates are always closer than you think. Make sure you set time out of your day to do the important things,” Jonglertham said.
