With the second semester already underway, students have begun to settle into a comfortable rhythm in managing schoolwork, sports and socializing. For freshmen, the start of the new semester marks a fresh start and an opportunity to learn from their first semester of high school.

The adjustment from middle school to high school can be daunting, with the pressures of homework loads and athletic practices looming. Depending on a student’s class schedule and other commitments, balancing academics and extracurricular activities can be difficult while maintaining good grades.

Freshman Taylor Hom described her homework load and commitments to the varsity golf team as tricky but also manageable.

“At the beginning of freshman year, I struggled with balancing between school and extracurriculars, but…I was able to create a well-balanced work routine between extracurriculars and school…[with] the help and attention of my teachers and coaches in golf and mock trial,” Hom explained. “As the semester progressed, I created better study habits, such as putting down my phone until I finished all my work to help myself eliminate procrastination.”

Towards the start of the school year, freshman Arden Enright found it difficult to adjust to a much bigger school environment than her previously smaller class size. However, she was able to quickly make friends with girls in all grade levels.

“I feel like it was a difficult transition but all of my friends and upperclassmen were really kind and made it so much fun,” Enright said. “The first semester was amazing.”

The first semester of high school for the freshmen class was difficult at first, but as the school year progressed, students were able to adjust to the coursework and build new time management skills. Despite challenges, the freshmen were able to overcome obstacles and finish strong.

Using the study skills and time management techniques developed over the past semester, they will be able to finish the second semester and end the school year on a high note.