Everyone says that high school is a long, toxic process. Going into high school is a canon event. There’s no way of avoiding it. At the start of my freshman year, my older brother, Tucker, gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me: freshman year is the first year that actually matters, which is a hard pill to swallow for anyone at any age.
My experiences freshman year made me realize how grateful I am to be here. At the start of the year, it’s a lot of introducing yourself, trying new things, signing up for ridiculous amounts of after-school activities, and being petrified of the upperclassmen. Through this process, I made new friends and met new people who helped shape my perspective on classes and high school itself. By trying new things, you build a foundation that is something bigger than yourself. For example, I signed up for FWPMUN. At first, I just did it because a bunch of upperclassmen told me to. I soon realized that holding a debate on any topic of your choice allows you to expand your thoughts and hear others’ opinions. I now know all about the Cuban Missile Crisis! These new learning experiences helped shape my high school career. I also signed up for “The Weekly.” I wanted to get more into writing and learn how to collaborate with others. I have had a great experience, and my writing skills have definitely improved because of the feedback I’ve received on my articles. I have even been able to transfer those skills to my writing in English class. Through trying many new extracurriculars, I have found new passions and made new friends across grades, which has been a highlight of my year.
Everyone says that junior and senior years are the most important. However, freshman year shapes how high school will turn out for you. Freshman year consists of significantly harder classes than middle school, but there is more independence, which forces growth. Towards the end of the year, I started working together with my newer classmates as opposed to at the beginning of the year, when the new kids are scared to talk to each other and reach out for help. The Quizlets start to get passed around, and the solo work switches to group work. This teamwork correlates with sports as well. During the Homecoming field hockey game against Latin, I was subbed back in because we were losing 1-0. I came through and scored a goal. This caused the varsity team, which was filled with older girls, the parents, and the crowd on the benches, to erupt with cheers that drowned out the opposing team’s groans. I felt like everyone had my back, and I was in a well-supported team that would protect me. That was one of the first of many moments throughout the year when I felt fully accepted into high school.
Oftentimes, the kids who are new to Parker at the start of high school become your best friends.
“At first it was scary coming in new,” freshman Olivia Marquez said. “However, the Parker community made it very easy for me to adjust, and I grew very strong bonds.” The friendly and welcoming Parker community, both the students and administration, ensures that no matter when you come into high school, you will find your people. Freshman year is also the year when you learn your way around the school. Not necessarily where every class is, but how to navigate your way through. After getting marked tardy one too many times for walking in at 8:46 or after the music ends, I learned to be punctual. I also learned that despite having a large cafeteria, nobody actually eats there. Freshmen have to fend for themselves in a way. I am sure many of you have seen the freshmen piled up in the third-floor hallway next to the Draft Gym. There are other groups sprawled out in the hallway outside the library. Although these aren’t as nice as the sophomore benches or junior alcove, they teach us how to make do with a small space and add to the tight-knit feeling of the grade. Interestingly, these spaces seem to change around each year, making it a truly fluid environment, which reinforces the idea that life is about change and the student body needs to learn how to adapt, just as freshmen do every year to the Upper School.
At home, I am the youngest child with two older brothers. This mirrors my freshman year experience.. You make the most mistakes and have to look for advice anywhere you can find it. As the youngest child, I have made plenty of mistakes and looked up to both my brothers for advice. Now, one of my brothers has graduated from college, and my other brother is finishing his senior year in high school. I learned what worked for them and what didn’t in high school, such as course load, balancing extracurriculars with sports, and how to manage stress and prevent burnout. At home, I have to strike a balance between holding my opinions and speaking out. Coming to school every day, that balance continues with my teachers and friends.
Throughout my freshman year, I have made a mental checklist that I will continue to add to during my high school career. The first thing is never use AI. It’s not worth it. Your work deserves to come from your thoughts and ideas. Nobody wants to read an article that is computer-generated. The second rule I have made for myself is to be nice to everyone. You won’t be in a class with your best friends all through high school. Parker wants to scramble you up and ensure you have a wide range of friends in your grade. This has been a positive experience for me as it’s allowed me to get to know people that I hadn’t spent time with both in my grade and in the other grades. My third rule is to deflate your ego. You’re a freshman, not a senior. The upperclassmen are truly not paying attention to you. Just wait for your turn. Finally, focus on your academics, your friends, and not losing yourself through drama or stress. Freshman year has been such a great year, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Sincerely,
Tyler Jones