Welcome Baby 'Stangs!: A Sophomore's Guide to Freshman Year

Going back to school can stir up many emotions; excitement, anxiety, dread, etc. As a former incoming freshman, I think I can speak for everyone when I say that the first day of school was a mixture of all of those feelings. So for any freshmen who might be nervous about the next school year, I asked some members of student council if they had any advice. Secretary Chuckwunaenye Mbagwu, and ASB Representative Emu Egre-Bello answered the call and gave all the advice anyone would ever need. So now I will stop talking and let them tell you how freshman year is done.

1. Forget the stereotypes

If your a fan of John Hughes movies, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you should know. High school is not like the movies. There is no hierarchy, with a pretty but mean cheerleader at the top, and being shoved into a locker is not only physically impossible, but its just not going to ever happen. Smart kids aren't "nerds", athletic kids aren't "jocks", and they are not against each other. The popular kids are only popular because they're interesting and nice. No one is going to deliberately try to make you miserable, or try to ruin your high school experience. Basically, everyone is just wants to have fun, and do what they can to get into a good college.

2. Brace yourself

Just know ahead of time that the next four years will be hard. Your teachers will have this condition where they think that their class is the only one that matters to you. Oh and if you're in any sports or performing arts groups you can forget about free time. Plus there's this magical week that comes twice a year, where you're practically not allowed to sleep and all you want to do is cry, called finals. Egre-Bello says, "The hardest part about being in high school is trying to balance school, extra curricular activities, and having a social life." To help unwind after a hard day Emu takes a shower, and then gets her homework out of the way so she can spend time on what really matters, like sleeping and Netflix.

3. Be prepared

Don't pull an "Elise" and forget your pencil pouch (first day), or overdue book (library day), or your glasses (first day of finals). Just make sure you have everything you need. Chuckwunaenye and Emu both swear by protractors and compasses for geometry, and Mbagwu adds that a personal calculator and a pencil pouch are always a good investment, depending on your math class.

4. Make lasting relationships

One of the things I noticed on the first day was how many kids there are. It's insane. My 8th grade year I could probably name everyone in my class, and now I'll see someone and find myself wondering, "Do they go here?". After the first week you'll start recognizing people and start learning names, and making friends, if you're a good person. I, on the other hand, should no longer be allowed in public anymore after not learning my biology partner's name until the second semester. Emu advises, "Make real friends. Don't be fake and only talk to people because you want something." Your friends will help you out so much, whether it's sending you the homework you forgot to do, or wearing a dress on the same day as you so you don't feel awkward, or saving you a good spot during rallies, so always treat them right.

5. Get involved

Mbagwu and Egre-Bello are both in Advisory Student Council and Black Student Union, and plan on signing up for even more extra curricular activities. For those thinking about running for ASB, Chuckwunaenye believes that its really important to show everyone who you really are, "Get out there, be outgoing, interact with everyone, and DON'T ASSUME YOU'LL WIN BECAUSE YOU'RE POPULAR." She also believes that in order to succeed on student council, it is important to have a heart for service. She explains, " The reason I ran for office was because I wanted to make a change and I wanted everyone to feel comfortable coming up to us to express their feelings or other ideas! I want this year to be fun and memorable for everyone!"

6. Be yourself

Emu says "The biggest mistake you can make as a freshman is trying too hard. Don't be someone your not." For the next for years you will be one of about 300 students, so your personality is what will make you stand out. Standing out at first is scary, but it's so liberating and you'll have so much more fun. Chuckwunaenye says, "Everyone is always trying to get validation and approval, doing whatever it takes to fit in, but I say just be you! Find your friend group and don't hold yourself back from what you want to do and what you want to accomplish!"