As a freshman, I had no expectations whatsoever going into high school this year. Like most in my grade, I was only certain about a few things. Number one: I knew that I had no idea where anything was. Number two: I knew that there was a good chance my homework load would double. Number three: I went into this year dreading starting high school, believing that the next four years of my life would be unhappy and stressful. Turns out, I was wrong. I was wrong about number three, that is, because the other two were completely right.

Contrary to what I thought before school started, these first few weeks as a freshman have been a blast. Other than the obvious increase in work, I have loved all aspects of this school. Most of all, I love the respect and trust that the administrators and staff give to the students. I, and everyone, have so much more independence here than at other schools. We can pick our own classes, sign up for the clubs we want, and perhaps best of all, we can carry around our backpacks and wear flip-flops.

Enhancement is one of my favorite parts of High School. Being someone who had no study halls since the sixth grade because of language, ATP, or other activities, I am thankful that I now have a period in which I can get work done. Sure, I have clubs and whatnot during some of these enhancement periods, but just having a time that we get complete control over (or at least, control over what we do in that period) is very helpful. I have been loving the block schedule. I know that some people are not in favor of eighty minute periods, but in my opinion, the day goes by faster with just four classes.

These past few weeks have already gone by so fast, and I’m so excited to see what else the year has to bring.