The Freshman Dilemma (Article for "The Voice")

High School: The Freshmen Dilemma
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Sunday, November 08, 2009 By Nicole Rivera

The transition from middle school to high school is difficult. Many adolescents wonder what goes on inside a freshman’s mind, yet it is the freshman who has it the hardest. Chris Taylor, a 9th grader at Manhattan/Hunter High School enjoys his new school ritual. His initial statement when asked about school was, “there are more girls.” He also said that the uniform policy is some what acceptable but sometimes he would like to show his own “flavor.” High school, however, has its advantages and its disadvantages. Furthermore, Chris explains how hard it is--he gets lost easily, and there is a lot of homework. It is challenging to be in an early college high school, which becomes more than a challenge when Manhattan/Hunter Science High School is integrated in a building with several different schools. Some people say it is a distracting issue; others remain indifferent. Chris Taylor talks briefly of the matter, saying “everyone’s kind of scary…with the cursing…and it looks like they fight a lot.” On the other hand, we have students like Prima Manandhar, soft spoken and focused. “I go to S.O.S and Lunch & Learn a lot,” she says. When young adults enter high school, they develop with responsibility and maturity. At Manhattan/Hunter Science High School we are preparing for college early so it is acceptable that the homework level is high. Teachers here have great expectations for their students; high school is a place to “raise the bar.” Prima certainly feels the heat, “We have to be a lot more independent. There’s more work.” Like Chris, some students are lucky and end up at the same high school with their middle school friends. For majority of students, the case is different. Prima and plenty other had to start high school without a friend. Both Chris and Prima agree that it gets lonely in a place where there is constant activity. Life of a freshman in high school is not a walk in the park. Having a new experience is anything, but easy. Providing adolescents with correct guidance and nourishment is essential in helping them succeed. Although teasing them might seem amusing, everyone has been in their position. Therefore, we need to accomplish a supportive and a safe environment for academic enrichment.