NewsUpper School
A Sophomore’s Advice for Freshmen
Aug 1, 1999 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
At one time or another, every student has a case of the pre-school jitters, but there is one group which is much more susceptible to this common uneasiness: upcoming freshmen. For this reason, Darlington has created special events, including the freshman retreat and the senior buddy program, to help freshmen overcome the nervousness that comes with a new environment.
This year’s freshman retreat will be held at Camp Laney in Alabama, Sunday and Monday, Aug. 22- 23. During this time, new and old classmates will participate in group activities to promote leadership and trust in each other. This trip helps students get to know one another and realize they are not alone.
The senior buddy program, which pairs each freshman with one or two seniors, starts a few weeks into school. A senior buddy will talk to his or her freshman at school and perhaps take him or her out to eat during the school year. This program gives underclassmen a chance to get to know a few upperclassmen.
Sophomore Seth White believes the program eased his transition into the Upper School: “The senior buddy system helped me interact with the upperclassmen, which helped me feel more comfortable with my new surroundings.”
Even students who have been at Darlington throughout their school careers are a little apprehensive: “I’m nervous about the new school year, but I’m also interested in meeting new people,” said upcoming freshman Blair Stegall, who has been at Darlington since kindergarten.
This year’s freshman retreat will be held at Camp Laney in Alabama, Sunday and Monday, Aug. 22- 23. During this time, new and old classmates will participate in group activities to promote leadership and trust in each other. This trip helps students get to know one another and realize they are not alone.
The senior buddy program, which pairs each freshman with one or two seniors, starts a few weeks into school. A senior buddy will talk to his or her freshman at school and perhaps take him or her out to eat during the school year. This program gives underclassmen a chance to get to know a few upperclassmen.
Sophomore Seth White believes the program eased his transition into the Upper School: “The senior buddy system helped me interact with the upperclassmen, which helped me feel more comfortable with my new surroundings.”
Even students who have been at Darlington throughout their school careers are a little apprehensive: “I’m nervous about the new school year, but I’m also interested in meeting new people,” said upcoming freshman Blair Stegall, who has been at Darlington since kindergarten.
