NewsUpper School
Advice to Relieve Freshman Anxiety
Aug 1, 2000 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
By Melissa Jarrell, sophomore
Upon arriving at the Upper School at registration, one may get a panicky feeling in his stomach and wish to be back in the only hall of the middle school or at his old school. Others may be thrilled, anticipating opportunities. New freshmen often await the first day of their high school experience with a night of interrupted sleep. Everyone’s reaction is different.
My own outlook was an optimistic one. I looked forward to the new opportunities. Still, I was nervous about the amount and difficulty of work. I feared that deadlines wouldn’t be manageable. My anxiety peaked on the first days of classes and the first tests, but soon enough, I realized that I was capable of completing the work.
Quickly, my concerns evaporated and were replaced by the relief of doing what I wished during my free periods, laughing off a disappointment or an embarrassing mistake or completing some of my homework so it would be off my back later that night. Choices were mine to make, in comparison to the more restrictive rules of middle school. I met new people and gained friendships that helped me through the occasional stressful times. The first few days were not all perfect and smooth; there were some obstacles to overcome in both work and everyday things. I learned not to worry about how to finish my never-ending paper or why I messed up on the last test. Everyone reacts differently to changes, but a comforting thought that helps when nothing else can is that tomorrow will come, no matter what happened today.
Upon arriving at the Upper School at registration, one may get a panicky feeling in his stomach and wish to be back in the only hall of the middle school or at his old school. Others may be thrilled, anticipating opportunities. New freshmen often await the first day of their high school experience with a night of interrupted sleep. Everyone’s reaction is different.
My own outlook was an optimistic one. I looked forward to the new opportunities. Still, I was nervous about the amount and difficulty of work. I feared that deadlines wouldn’t be manageable. My anxiety peaked on the first days of classes and the first tests, but soon enough, I realized that I was capable of completing the work.
Quickly, my concerns evaporated and were replaced by the relief of doing what I wished during my free periods, laughing off a disappointment or an embarrassing mistake or completing some of my homework so it would be off my back later that night. Choices were mine to make, in comparison to the more restrictive rules of middle school. I met new people and gained friendships that helped me through the occasional stressful times. The first few days were not all perfect and smooth; there were some obstacles to overcome in both work and everyday things. I learned not to worry about how to finish my never-ending paper or why I messed up on the last test. Everyone reacts differently to changes, but a comforting thought that helps when nothing else can is that tomorrow will come, no matter what happened today.
