When looking back at freshman year, there are so many things I would go back and do differently, and even more that I wouldn’t change if I could. Talking to my friends, I realized just about everyone has these regrets, wishes and dreams; we would all go back and maybe start that big school project a week earlier instead of watching Netflix, or studied longer and harder for a 100 point test. With the year coming to an end, most of us don’t have the time to do anything about our mistakes except think back to them and wish we could have done better. However, it’s not too late for next year’s grade. If I could go back and say a couple of things to myself before the year started, these are a few pieces of advice (collected from various ninth graders) I would give to myself, or anyone, as an incoming freshman.

Freshman year DOES count. As cliche as it is, freshman year is important in high school, academically and in other ways. It doesn’t pay to not give it your all freshman year. Yes, there are three years left to improve and get better grades, but hard work freshman year will be extremely important in the long run. However, keep in mind not to get wrapped up in crazy academic pressure. One “B” never killed anyone.

“Trust yourself to know what you want to do. Don’t let anything else affect you from what you truly want to do. You will be happiest if you follow what you truly want to do,” freshman Dara Schenck said.

“When I was an incoming freshman, I worried way too much about what people thought about me. Don’t worry about popularity, or what anyone else thinks about you; be yourself. Don’t try too hard to fit in, especially if you are being pressured into doing something you don’t feel comfortable doing. Don’t let anyone tell you how to dress, act, or who to be friends with. Just be you!” freshman Aubrey Vanderpol said.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to teachers. They are there to help you and if you don’t ask them questions, you will not do as well. They will understand why you can’t do something or turn it in sometime if you have a legitimate excuse. Don’t try to go  to any parties if you know that there are people who don’t want you to be there. And most of all, just enjoy high school. It’s fun!” freshman Julia Fahy said.

“Don’t be too shy; go and meet people. And talk to people in older grades, but don’t be too insistent and press your company or conversation on anyone. Also, be diligent about your school work until you’ve figured out what you really need to focus on and what you can scribble down at tutorial. Ask questions, but make sure they are intelligent and relevant. Your teachers want you to ask questions and be interested in their work, but no one wants to listen to someone showing off by asking questions they already know, or by asking obvious questions just to get attention. Lastly, if you think you’re being subtle about ANYTHING, you are most definitely not. And lastly, do your best not to drop a bottle in the commons,” freshman Nakiri Gallagher-Cave said.

“Freshmen year is the first year you make an impression at the Aspen High School. Make it count. Go to homecoming, go to pep rallies, get involved with clubs and sports, meet new people and enjoy every second. It’s going to go by faster than you think,”  freshman Luke Ryan said.

“Go all out for school activities because no one thinks you’re cool for sitting around and converting oxygen into carbon dioxide all day. Be careful with glass bottles. Take your academic studies seriously, but don’t be that whiney kid who becomes so meticulous over every single aspect of every single assignment. Do the big things first, but if that means you don’t get to do a two point math assignment it’s ok. Also, no one cares if there is on question on the test that you don’t think the teacher went over. Instead of complaining about it, use your brain for once and figure it out,” freshman Katia Galambos said.

“Upcoming students of Aspen High School and class of 2018, it is our pleasure to have all of you as our new freshmen. It is a huge step up from middle school in accord to academic difficulty and responsibility, yet it will also be your first taste of real freedom. No longer are there teachers looking over your shoulder to keep you in check, no longer are you bound to your school by immaturity and lack of power, no longer are you a slave to those appointed above you. In summary, you are responsible for yourself, so even though you are enabled to do practically anything you want, but don’t go crazy or you may regret it,” freshman Damien Beecroft said.

So although starting high school can be intimidating, follow this advice from people who have done it before and you will be fine. Going into high school can be challenging whether middle school was merely down the block, or miles away, but AHS is a great place and it looks like it’s going to be a great few years. Enjoy it while it lasts.