Sytha Beth Ortiz

News Editor

This year we welcome the incoming Class of 2022 to join our Panther family. High school will expose you to a variety of new experiences and many new people, all of which are exciting things to look forward to, but tend to not be the main concerns of freshmen.The huge campus, new workload, freedom and responsibility that comes with each of your choices may be a lot to take in, but it is also a new start and it is important to make the most of it.While leaving middle school to start your years of high school can be intimidating, it is important to remember that everyone on campus was once a freshman too and experienced the same things. Here is some meaningful and lighthearted advice from the class of 2019 to guide you on your new journey.

“I recommend any croc of your design or color preference because they are good and fresh and also are good at let- ting you walk through puddles on rainy days,” senior Peyton Davis said.

Our campus is unique because it is outdoors, and while it has its perks, our campus changes with the weather. During the start of this school year we have received both a drizzle and storming rains, often soaking those walking around campus. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather and prepare yourself accordingly and comfortably, whether that means wearing crocs, jackets or even boots.

Along with our campus being outdoors, it is also vast with a total of twelve buildings and several portables.Although it may seem difficult to navigate, it is possible to arrive to all of your classes on time.

“It is easy to go from one side of the campus to the other. Don’t waste your time.We do have
seven minutes so it shouldn’t be that hard if you do what you need to,” Golduster senior Gaby Lopez said.

While the hallways and outside walkways can get crowded in certain areas, there are plenty of other ways to get around campus.

“If you need to get to somewhere fast, plan ahead and avoid the crowded areas.The back portable road is always more free and moveable,” Co-Head Student Athletic Trainer, senior Eric Queller said.

It is important to get to class on time, but you don’t need to worry so much that you run in the halls to class.This can be applied to things in school and out of school too.

“You don’t have to stress out about every little thing you do,” Lopez said.

Grades and all that come along with school is important, but you do need to take time for yourself and think through your decisions. On campus there are plenty of opportunities available that will allow you to meet new people outside of class such as clubs. Our campus has a wide range of clubs fit for students with several different interests ranging from Anime to Dungeons and Dragons, or even the newspaper club (selfless promo). If you have a specific interest there is more than likely a club for it.

“I have learned that life isn’t that serious and its not worth it to be mixed in the muck of petty squabble,” Davis said.

We have all heard the phrase, “every- thing in high school feels like it’s the end of the world.” In the process of switching schools, you will lose friends or not be very close with your friends from middle school, and that is okay.You will all be meeting new people and making plenty of new friends as you go on throughout the school year in your classes, clubs, and even from other friends.

“Drama is a part of high school. Don’t let it affect you. None of the drama matters after you cross that stage and receive your diploma,” Quellar said.

Make sure to keep a positive mindset and remember that high school is a time when you will find out which people are truly your friends. High school is full of unexpected events so always keep an open mind and be willing to try new things and meet new people.

“The one thing I have learned from high school is to go with the flow. Life is not always going to be working in your favor,” Queller said.

Not everything will work according to a plan, and many times it will be for the better. Find a place you feel comfortable in and can call your second home, such as a class or a club (journalism is always welcoming new people). Also, don’t be afraid to be involved in school events; they’re a great way to connect with people on campus.

On a final note, good luck to the class of 2022. Before you know it, you’ll be crossing the stage in no time.

“When you are a freshman you are just now finding out who you really are. Surround yourself with amazing friends and avoid people that don’t want to make you a better person,” Queller said.

With such a huge campus you are bound to meet many different types of people.