Starting high school is a turning point: new classes, new people, new challenges, and new opportunities. Maybe you pictured a classic high school 80s movie or a binge-worthy Netflix show. The truth? Lexington High School is not High School Musical. Some parts are easier, others more complicated, but the bottom line is that high school is different for everyone. Here is a look at four major expectations that you might have before beginning high school, and the realities you will encounter instead.
Expectation #1: Teachers are scary dictators.
You’ve probably heard horrible tales of high school teachers who exist to crush your dreams, give out endless homework assignments, and glare at you if you raise your hand. Talking to them out of class? Forget it.
Reality #1: Your teachers genuinely want you to succeed.
They encourage you to ask questions, joke around, and are surprisingly fun. Sure, classes can be challenging, but teachers work hard to make sure you don’t feel lost and actually enjoy learning. In fact, most teachers are happy if you stop by after class or drop in for extra help if you need it.
Expectation #2: You will need a locker.
It was a traumatic experience rushing to your locker between classes in middle school. You would think that you need to make quick “pit stops” every period at LHS. You might’ve even imagined decorating your locker with mirrors and magnets, or maybe filling it to the brim with snacks.
Reality #2: What’s a locker?
Most students never even bother to request one, and if they do, it is rarely used. Since there is a fair amount of walking between buildings, it is much easier to carry your bag everywhere. In other words, your backpack becomes your locker. Besides, the lockers at LHS are half the width of those in middle school, so you won’t be able to fit much stuff in there anyway.
Expectation #3: Upperclassmen are evil.
On the second day of school, you find yourself amidst juniors and seniors who tower over you like skyscrapers. They see you as nothing more than a lost freshman clogging the hallways and are plotting to steal your lunch money any chance they get.
Reality #3: Upperclassmen can be very friendly.
Although we may be taller (possibly), most of us are just trying to navigate the school year, just like you. Many upperclassmen are happy to give advice on teachers or guide you to the right classroom. In fact, upperclassmen can serve as peer tutors or teaching assistants for freshmen. The supposed villains? You’ll find them helping you in your classes!
Expectation #4: Students’ homework is relentless.
Every night, never-ending piles of worksheets and essays stack up like a mountain building on the edge of your desk. No matter how fast you work or how much you plan, the work seems to follow you the moment the last bell rings. And just when you think you’ve caught up, a surprise project appears from nowhere to remind you that “manageable workload” was a myth.
Reality #4: Homework comes in waves.
Some weeks, you’ll be breezing through your work, barely breaking a sweat and cruising through assignments. Other weeks will hit like an avalanche, especially near the end of the quarter when tests, projects, and essays all collide at once. The key? Pace yourself and manage the work as it comes—Netflix can wait.
Although high school isn’t a teen drama where everyone plots against you or throws paper airplanes during class, it definitely has its memorable moments. Freshman year at LHS is about finding your footing, discovering new interests, and learning to face challenges that once felt impossible. You will make mistakes, but you will grow from them and laugh about them later. What once felt intimidating will turn into a year filled with memories to look back on.
