Whatever you’re expecting out of your high school career, whatever stigmas you’re combatting and expectations you’re forming, I would strongly encourage you to leave it all at the doorstep. That said, don’t leave everything at the doorstep: bring with you the work ethic that you’ve honed (hopefully) during eighth grade, and carry your interests and passions forward. Truly understanding what you enjoy doing and the kind of learner that you are will serve you well as you advance into the next tier of your education.
As aggravating and unwanted as this advice may be, let high school happen to you. Walk through the door during bridge and orientation with an open mind and an understanding that no two high school experiences are the same – the right path for one person will not be the same for the next. If you’re a returning student entering high school with strong friendships, that’s great, but be open to forming new relationships, and seize the opportunity of bridge to find new faces.
It’s important to find a balance between what you love to do––whether that’s a sport or playing an instrument––with unexplored possibilities beyond your current scope of interest and passion. Continue to pursue those passions, but be open to new experiences, even if they force you outside of your comfort zone. I know, cliché, but as repetitive and tiresome as these words sound, initial discomfort and the element of uncertainty are important aspects of your personal development.
Clubs and affinity groups are fantastic forums for awakening parts of yourself that you otherwise would never have discovered. They can provide you with a flair for philanthropy, a hunger to connect with others who share similar experiences, or journalistic experience. From the Berkowitz Committee to SLAM poetry or one of the literary publications, there are so many fields you can immerse yourself in. I can almost guarantee if you stick with something you come to enjoy, leadership opportunities will present themselves later down the road. As someone who loves to write, I leaned into those opportunities, writing poetry for two hours almost every Saturday morning as part of the SLAM team and writing several pieces for The Weekly. For affinities, find your community. If there’s not a group that you align with (this goes for clubs, too), start your own! I found my own community with South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) and have had so much fun, from organizing the annual Diwali MX to our April Holi Celebration in the courtyard. The Berkowitz Committee gave me invaluable interview and philanthropic experience as well as a deep understanding of how to seek out communities in need of support.
Don’t be afraid to try anything and everything, and to throw yourself at every interesting opportunity that comes your way. You’ll eventually figure out what truly brings you joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment, but freshman year is the time to take risks and be bold.
Most importantly, keep an open mind as you enter Upper School classrooms and meet new teachers. I hope your Middle School experience was a positive one (Parker has an incredible Middle School program), but understand that Upper School classes operate differently. There will be different teachers, expectations, and methods of learning and assessment. However you feel towards certain subjects and facets of your learning experience, I promise you that every day will be more enjoyable (and valuable to you) if you are willing to make an effort and adapt to different teaching styles.
There will be hard days and hard classes that will test you not just as a student but as a person. However, I truly believe that what you are willing to put in, you will get out. The Upper School has incredible faculty across departments who want to get to know you as a person. They are there to partner with and support you as you navigate the terrain, but communication is key. If you’re having a hard time with a homework assignment, or struggling more broadly, seek assistance. Reach out to a teacher to set up time, so you can get your questions answered and better understand the material. It can feel intimidating, especially as a first time Upper Schooler, but self-advocacy is a crucial skill that will serve you well beyond your years at Parker.
If you’re sick or participating in late night games, teachers are happy to work with you and grant extensions, but you must communicate. You’ll eventually get the hang of balancing extracurricular demands with academics and develop good and efficient study skills, but know that it’s okay to ask for help in the beginning.
There truly is no right way to be a freshman or navigate Upper School. The only right way is your way. Parker’s progressive ethos will come to shape and empower you to decide the kind of person you want to become. Curiosity, hunger for knowledge, and critical thinking skills will be fostered in each classroom on a daily basis. As you make your choices, and ultimately shape your own freshman experience, never forget to become the person who you are called to become, not the person who you think you should be.
