Hey Freshman!
If you’ve gotten your hands on this marvelous article, then you have likely already begun your journey through the fluorescent and slightly outdated halls of Lexington High School, where academic validation and pre-college stress make their presence known at every twist and turn. But fear not. In this meticulously crafted guide, I will bestow upon you the art of effectively utilizing all the resources that both LHS and the internet have to offer, in the hopes that you can experience a (moderately) less stressful freshman year.
#1: Your Teachers
Looking back at my freshman year, I was definitely an over-achiever who did everything possible to earn my teachers’ approval. On the whole, I struggled quite a bit during my first year due to my stubborn refusal to ask for help. It was only during my sophomore year that I realized teachers (wait for it…) served a larger purpose than just handing out grades! After this overdue epiphany, I began lingering after class, asking quick questions, and signing myself up for I Blocks to receive extra help. At the end of the day, teachers hope to see you grow throughout the year, so don’t be shy to approach them!
#2: The Internet
The next resource is possibly the quintessence of the 21st century: the internet. High school is typically a time when families invest in tutors and after-school cram classes. But if you’re like me and not too keen on spending big bucks, the internet is a perfectly feasible resource. Whether that means frantically cramming Crash Course the day before science midterms or grinding Khan Academy every afternoon, the internet has so much to offer to high schoolers.
#3: Guidance Counselors
Last but not least, guidance counselors are among the most overlooked assets at LHS. In all transparency, my meetings with my counselor in freshman year were mostly composed of my insistence on taking the hardest possible classes in sophomore year. It was only when I was selecting classes for junior year that I realized my decisions were not the best for my mental well-being. Five email chains and two heart-to-hearts later, we were able to formulate a list of classes that balanced my interests with a manageable workload. Your guidance counselors genuinely wish for you to have the best possible high school life, and their advice is one of the best resources out there!
Although LHS may have a lack of air conditioning in its modular classrooms, it has an abundance of valuable resources to offer. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers or set up a meeting with your counselor! Last but not least, the best thing that LHS has to offer is a beautiful introduction to the ups and downs of life. Take these four years as an opportunity to take risks and occasionally fail, trip on the Math Building stairs (because I guarantee you will), and build unforgettable connections with the people around you. Best of luck!
Signing off,
Emily
