It feels so nostalgic for us upperclassmen when we see you all running around campus and playing tag on the quad.  Perhaps we feel a little embarrassed because we were once just like you. No matter what, we all want freshmen to succeed and become active members of the school community

The Eastside Panther editors believe that as you adjust to high school, you need to build a stronger mentality, from increasing your stamina for completing long assignments to learning to bounce back from disappointment.

Have a question in class but too scared to raise your hand? Almost everyone worries about how others see them in class. You might think, “What if they think I’m stupid? What if the answer to my question is obvious? Would I disappoint my teacher if I ask this?”

Don’t worry, guys. Math teacher Hai Tran strongly suggests that students view the act of asking questions as reflecting their desire to understand, rather than worry about how others might perceive their questions. Upperclassmen have generally learned that speaking up and asking questions is a positive skill, not an embarrassment.

Transitioning into a college prep school is not easy for anyone, and with all the homework being thrown at you, it may feel like it will never end. And it won’t. We recommend that you set time blocks to work on each subject. This strategy will help decrease the time that work takes, and enable you to complete it more efficiently and productively.

Want to feel more at home on campus? Connecting to the school community will make your long days on campus more fun. There are many ways to connect – join clubs, play sports, participate in spirit activities, and more. Don’t be afraid to pursue your interests!

Moving to the dorms after living at home since forever, is hard for everyone, and almost all students experience some homesickness. The cure to that is building connections within your dorm hall. Through spending time with others, during free time, or community time, everyone gets a chance to bond. We want Eastside to truly be your second home.

Upperclassmen may say that this advice isn’t new. It isn’t, most have heard it over the years. But sometimes we need reminders, too. Upperclassmen can help freshmen succeed by encouraging them to try these approaches and by being ready to help.

So, dear freshmen, don’t hesitate to ask – we are cheering for you!

The Eastside Panther editors