Going up or down the different staircases. Opening the right door so you don’t hit anyone coming the other direction. Trying to find the best way to get to your classes. Keeping your grades up. Finding out where you belong. These phrases encapsulate some of the things filling freshmen student’s minds during their first few weeks at Ignatius. But these experiences are not unique to the class of 2027. No one entered this school perfectly understanding how everything worked, whether it be the official school rules from the handbook or unofficial standards set by the other students. Believe it or not, current seniors were in a similar position just three years ago. While the freshmen experience for the class of 2024 was slightly different with it being a hybrid year, they still have some important insights on how to make the most out of freshman year while learning the rules and traditions of the school.

In terms of academics, it can be difficult to keep up with the workload. Saint Ignatius offers college-prep-level courses, meaning that classes are rigorous, and it may be difficult to keep up. “You will get an F on something, but that’s okay,” said senior Shannon Longo. Everyone should try their best on all of their assignments, but there will always be that initial shock in the workload when the school year first starts. Remember that it is still early in the semester, and there is always time to raise the percentage in the gradebooks. Also remember, though, that one’s worth is not determined by a number. 

The most difficult part of going into a new school is finding out where you belong. Whether you have older siblings, if you came in knowing no one, or even if friends from your middle school joined you here at Saint Ignatius, there is always a chance to get to know some new people. Students may have already found their group of friends, but there is no need to stress. Senior Mary Konstorum said, “If I could tell my freshman self anything, I would tell myself to not worry about being alone, because I’m going to meet a lot of amazing people.” The school’s large population may seem intimidating, but that only gives students more opportunities to make friends. It can be difficult to get the courage to reach out to others. On this, senior Alexander Gonzalez advised, “Don’t be scared to talk to new people. Come in with the knowledge that no one cares. I know it sounds really pessimistic at first, but it helps when you realize that people don’t care about how you start talking to them. Everyone’s anxious, and at the end of the day, you have nothing to lose.” Even as you are trying to find your place, remember to not lose sight of who you are, as senior Victoria Sharif said, “Try to be your true self. Don’t change yourself to fit in with other people.”

There is no shame in making mistakes as long as you can learn from them. “Enjoy the moment of being a freshman,” said senior Giulia LaSusa. “Don’t try to be a senior.” It is a cliché line, but high school does pass very quickly. Freshman year is a learning experience. Enjoy this year, and every year, because they only happen once in a lifetime.