Freshmen are forced to undergo many changes in their first few weeks of high school, including earlier wake up times, demanding classes, and new schedules. Transitioning from junior high to walking through a sea of four thousand other students at the largest public school in Minnesota can be incredibly overwhelming.

Amid these difficult times, students have found ways to overcome stress and challenges by joining new clubs, making friends, forming study habits, and attending school events such as football games and homecoming. Every student has a different way of coping with difficulties and making the most of their high school experience.

A New Standard

Ninth grader Lily Brandt elaborated on the change from middle school to high school, sharing her biggest struggle so far this year. “[It’s] the adjustment to the new work and new expectations that teachers have,” she said. “All of my classes combined, homework probably takes an hour to an hour and a half.”

Freshman Xander Korovinskiy shared Brandt’s challenges, experiencing similar changes. “There’s more things to do and more time-consuming homework,” he said. Korovinskiy, along with many other ninth graders – especially those in AP classes – claim to do at least two hours of assignments a night.

This heavier load starkly contrasts with middle school, where students often leave homework-free. The shock of the new academic standards at Wayzata High School forces most ninth graders to improve time-management skills and make decisions about their primary focuses and goals.

Though homework and class rigor have been a problem for some, other students have found it an easy transition, including freshman Noah Furman, who shared, “Most days I don’t have that much homework because I do it in class, so I maybe do around thirty minutes a night.” Continuing, she added, “I haven’t really had a big struggle yet. We have less classes and there’s less stuff to be stressed about.”

For many, however, high school has simply been about adjusting to a new setting, which freshman Josephine Jossy explained. “It’s a little harder than I originally expected,” she remarked. “After a while, like the first two to three weeks, you kind of transition to that high school phase so it gets easier as you go on.”

As the weeks roll by, many freshmen are starting to find their footing in high school and grasp an understanding of how their classes operate.

Schedule Differences

Schedule changes have also brought along a change for the class of 2029. The transition from the blocks and half-blocks of middle school to the lengthy full blocks in high school have created yet another hurdle for freshmen to clear.

Despite the difficulty that sometimes comes with a new timetable, Brandt has reacted positively to the change. “Having four classes makes the day go by faster and gives you more time to work,” she stated. Freshman Bryson Blazier seconded Brandt, saying that “it allows people to be a lot more free compared to how middle school was.”

Many other students have shared this appreciation for the new schedule as well, including Jossy. “You get to focus on only a couple classes, that way, you don’t have to divide your attention,” she said. “That helps increase proficiency in classes.”

School Functions

Judging by responses, the upcoming Homecoming dance has been a huge hit among the class. “I plan on going to the game and the dance for the social aspect,” remarked Brandt. Homecoming is the first formal school dance for many, and students are eager to experience it with their friends or a date.

Freshmen have found some relief from stress by participating in school activities and events. Common activities among 9th graders include Volunteer Club, DECA, and Student Council. School clubs and activities allow freshmen to explore new hobbies, delve deeper into their passions, and meet others who share similar interests.

Athletics are popular among ninth graders as well. Though practices and games may sometimes interfere with completing homework and studying, many have found them a great way to unwind after a long day of school while allowing students to participate in something they enjoy and represent Wayzata. They often provide a much more competitive environment than middle school sports, which aren’t always affiliated with a district.

Advice from Upperclassmen

Though many freshmen may feel alone in their struggles, they have the experience of older students to help guide them.

Kayleigh Klardie, a senior, shared her ninth grade experience. “I’d been in athletics for about two weeks coming into high school,” she said. “Because I had the athletics experience, I had friends walking into high school… the helping hand that not everyone gets.”

Many freshmen have also sought help managing all the new aspects of their lives. Klardie’s advice? “Know your schedule and know your lunches. It takes a little bit off your mind knowing you have friends in a class or at lunch. It’s a little bit of extra stress you don’t have to deal with.”

Sophomore Yan-Ru Cao had some valuable words of wisdom as well. “I came from Minnetonka and I barely knew anyone, but now I know a bunch of people,” he said. “I got on top of schoolwork so I never got behind. Don’t slack off.”

Conclusion

Though many freshmen have experienced struggles in adjusting to a new school, they’ve made the most of ninth grade by taking control of their homework, managing time well, and getting involved in the school’s numerous offerings and events.