The school year is back in session, and from freshmen to seniors, there has been a recurring question: how do I make this the best possible year?
The high school process for each different student is incredibly unique, making it challenging to define a specific route you can take to achieve this glowing high school experience. However, based on responses from a variety of members in the Shorewood High School community, here is a guide to making this school year special.
First, while the experience from freshman to senior year is vastly different, many people highlight the overarching importance of preserving one’s true identity. Because the social environment in school can be demanding, many students, especially those in earlier years, struggle to be themselves. Luckily, a simple way that most students settle into their identities is by finding a fitting community.
As an optimistic note on the topic of community, all interviewed upperclassmen said that they had found — or were starting to find — their circle.
“As I’ve gone through high school I’ve been able to find my people,” said Edie Dembroksi, senior. “It takes some time to get there but you eventually find people that you do feel comfortable with and whose values and interests align with yours.”
For underclassmen, it’s especially important to trust this process. Many people found their earlier high school years to be an uncomfortable mix of cliques and judgment. While participating in these can feel gratifying in the moment, they don’t hugely serve character building; often, they also limit people from acting the way they want to. By putting aside the fear that everyone is concerned with what you are doing, you can naturally achieve happiness.
Ellie Christian, junior, mentions the different settings where students can feel limited and instead asks them to defy the social norms.
“Wear what you want to wear, post what you want to post, make friends with [the people] you feel comfortable with, and get the toxic people out of your life,” Christian said.
While excluding yourself from certain norms might foster independence, it shouldn’t encourage you to avoid all of the experiences high school has to offer. Many students felt that returning to SHS this autumn was especially exciting because of the plethora of traditional events. As a part of student council, senior Breckan Henkhaus has participated and organized these events for years.
“I think there are so many things that make Shorewood special and that make the school and school spirit what it is,” Henkhaus said.
From compelling athletics to spirit weeks and homecoming, autumn hosts many of the classic high school events. During this time, students have the wonderful opportunity to integrate themselves into the high school community. Freshmen indicated that, while SIS organized spirit events, students were not as present in them.
“Try to take advantage of all the great stuff we have [here]. Be at dances or different gatherings [and] clubs,” said Scott Brown, counselor. “[For seniors], this is your last opportunity to really engage with that.”
Even if these events don’t align with your interests, it’s worth it to give them a chance considering they are so limited. The concern of ticking time might be especially prevalent in seniors, however, it still exists for all high schoolers. School traditions are sprinkled throughout the year, yet the best ones are arguably in fall, so don’t miss out!
For the people who have already decided that school events are not their cup of tea, a balance of fun remains important as the school year starts. Autumn is effective in the sense that it offers all kinds of seasonal activities. As your assignments roll in, try to still make time for a trip to an apple farm or a scary movie, or even a fall-spiced coffee.
“Romanticization is a great way to get through hard times,” Dembroski said. “If you’re struggling in school or to motivate yourself, find ways to make it fun. Switch your mindset.”
The next helpful tool that SHS offers is its extracurriculars. With nearly 50 clubs and sports, students have another outlet for finding social circles and developing. For students in earlier years, you have the opportune time to discover.
“Sign up for basically everything, figure out what you like, what you’re good at, and kind of go from there,” Henkhaus said.
A student’s involvement and dedication to clubs can largely dictate what they decide to do with their future, making it an important element to consider for new high schoolers. For students who’ve found their niche, think about digging into it as you prepare for life after high school. Ultimately, clubs and sports are a mechanism for discovery and experience: the more you know about the activities you do or don’t enjoy, the more you have to base your future on.
Next, the root of a great school year is, of course, academics. Regardless of what grade you’re entering, academics will remain a persisting piece of high school. The simple solution with this one is to always try. For younger students, the grades received will serve as a foundation for coming years. Many upperclassmen mentioned their academic habits from their first few years as either a key component to their success or a regret.
“Pay attention to your freshman and sophomore classes, because doing good in [them] sets you up for a good average in high school,” said senior Dahlia Van Dulm. “In [later] years–when things get more difficult– you have those grades to lean back on.”
Especially for students transitioning into junior year, the academics coming ahead will be more difficult. While maintaining a balance between school and life is essential, this year might be the one to narrow down your efforts. Stay organized and do not underestimate the amount of preparation you will need. More importantly, do not let failure act as an incentive to stop trying. Whether in school, sports, or life, accept your position and stay willing to improve it.
“I have to accept that my classes are getting more difficult so trying my best is what’s most important,” said Iris Treul, junior.
While you should continue to strive for your goals, don’t be discouraged by faltering results; as you get older, it will be harder to maintain the spotless record that may have come so easily to you earlier.
Achieving academic success — however you define that — can be a mix of avoiding procrastination, communicating with teachers, and finding ways to enjoy your education.
“[My advice is] to develop different routines so that you don’t get behind, and to really just communicate,” Brown said.
With that, communication should not be undermined. Making a good impression and getting along with your teachers can make your experience in school significantly more enjoyable and manageable. It’s always good to remember that teachers got where they are because of a passion for teaching; they want to help you.
“Your counselors, teachers, and family are [all] looking out for you, so lean on those [resources] if you need them,” Treul said.
Initiating routines and relations to optimize your academic results will be beneficial as the school year gets busy. If not your teachers, consider who else acts as a role model in your life: a lot of younger students might find this in upperclassmen. The dynamic between younger and older students is so captivating because it exhibits growth and influence. While older students may seem unapproachable, many of them vouched that they would love to be helpful for the younger classes. After her freshman year, Van Dulm built a not-so-pleasant perception of the seniors due to their cold etiquette towards the underclassmen.
“[Unlike them], I don’t want to be the senior that everyone is ready to see gone. I want to be helpful,” Van Dulm said. “I want to change the student body before I leave.”
Many of today’s freshmen are still figuring out how they see the seniors, deciding if they’ll be role models or a bad example. During their first week of school, some freshmen received negative attitudes from older students while others were fine around them due to a predetermined camaraderie through sports and clubs. Either way, younger students, remember that while an inability to navigate the hallway will irritate upperclassmen, everyone is still willing to make the air collaborative. Don’t be afraid of older students, they are familiar and cognizant of your experience. And for older students, consider honing in on opportunities to be a leader. These years can be highly worthwhile if you weave in leadership with everything else.
Hopefully by now you’ve scoped out which sections of this guide will equip you for your golden school year. Perhaps you’ll bury your head in a pile of books or scout out the various student sections Shorewood has to offer. Regardless of how you plan to carry out the year, be mindful of the provided advice, as it came straight from the true, authentic voices of Shorewood high schoolers. Although the year will be unpredictable, with a blend of all these elements — from social to academic — you can start yourself off to a great year. Best of luck, Shorewood students!