A letter to our freshman class

Dear Oshkosh West freshmen,

We know that entering high school is a big step in your life and trying to take that step during a pandemic is no easy task. However, we were in your shoes just a few short years ago. Though we may not be old and wise yet, we still have some valuable pieces of advice for you that will keep you performing at your highest level.

First, always remember that you are more important than anything you’re doing. If you are stressing yourself out, it's alright to take a break every now and again. It’s okay to say no to any additional obligations. We know that many of you are involved in clubs, sports, jobs, and other activities, but remember that school is already a full time job. If you find yourself losing sleep, not eating, or neglecting yourself in any way, take a break. Taking a mental health day is perfectly normal and we’ve all had to do it before. 

While taking time for your mental health is ideal, keeping up on your school work is equally important. The two ways to do that are to keep organized and to develop better time management. Keeping a schedule, planner, or journal are easy ways to keep track of assignments and tests. However, organization only goes so far. Procrastination is going to make the planning almost useless. Looking over every class of the day after school is going to give you an idea of what needs to be done and when. Anything due the next day should be done first and farther due dates can be done later. Find a time that works best for you and your other obligations. It’s called executive judgment, and the faster you figure it out, the happier and more successful you will be.

Assignments are worth less of your grade than assessments in almost every class. Because of this, studying is crucial. Don’t try to cram the night before a test; the best time to study is right after you are introduced to the information. Even if it’s only 10 minutes a day for each of your classes, the information will stick better in your head if it is being constantly reviewed. Again, if you are going to take any zeros, do NOT bail on summative assessments. Those are killers and will sink your academic boat.

Even after reviewing the material, not everything will make sense to you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! With other commitments, it can be difficult to find time before and after school. W-hour is a great time to reach out to your teachers. While it can be easy to be randomly assigned, signing up for specific teachers will ensure that you get the help you need when you need it. Teachers will be flabbergasted by your maturity and desire to grow and improve. Trust us, that growth mindset will be a pleasant shock to their systems sure to boost your reputation (and your improvement in the class).

W-hours can be used for multiple reasons besides getting help. Clubs often meet during these times and getting involved can introduce you to new people and interests. You may find passions you never thought of before. People involved in clubs can become a family to you, and the classrooms they use can be a home away from home. High school is a time to find yourself and looking into activities will be a great way to do that. Statistics show that involvement leads to better grades. Why? Probably because you are finding a purpose to life as a student, and purpose leads to engagement, engagement leads to accountability. 

Even outside of clubs, you will be meeting new people in classes who may have gone to another school. We all came into high school with friends that we have known for years, and you are no different. However, this will change! Take it from the seniors, none of us are the same people we were when we were in your shoes. We grew with new people, and all of your relationships will help you to grow as well. These people are not strangers, they are opportunities to broaden your social horizons. Cut that middle school cord and take some chances in meeting new people.

Those relationships don’t have to only be in your grade either. You will be meeting people who are older than you, and they can become like older siblings. However, remember that even if you are friends with upperclassmen, there are privileges that we have because of our class age. Seniors run the Fans accounts for sports and activities and often sit front and center at events. Upperclassmen have those opportunities and a few more, but that doesn’t mean the events are only for us! Events at school are meant to get everyone involved, and you will soon be in our shoes. 

As upperclassmen we have those privileges, but that's not to say you aren’t getting experiences that we didn’t, especially all the moments we missed due to Covid. You now have the ability to have an open campus lunch, whereas freshmen weren’t allowed to leave campus for many years prior. You are able to be in higher level classes that weren’t open to freshmen previously. You can also participate in sports at a higher level, even as underclassmen. Being a freshman does have its advantages just like any other class. 

All in all, don’t be scared! We know this experience is already a lot to take in. However, let us assure you that it will get easier! You will make relationships with your classmates, teammates, teachers, and even us!. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get more information from someone. That being said, make this year the best it can be and remember to keep pushing!

Sincerely yours, Oshkosh West seniors

By: Sophie Burke
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 1

October 6th, 2021