Santa Fe is a place for growth and excitement as more students join. As the year progresses, more and more freshmen join Santa Fe: this is what the class of 2029 has to say about their high school journey so far.
Alexandria Jefferis is a freshman who represents Santa Fe’s soccer team by playing on the JV team. Despite having an extracurricular to participate in, the first year of high school still brings difficulties..
“I feel like the hardest struggle would just be adjusting to the new school and the new policies,” Jefferis said.
As a freshman, there is a lot of adjusting to the new environment. For example, the workload, balancing school, work and sports, is a part of most Santa Fe’s students’ daily lives.
“I’m going to try not to procrastinate as much as I did last semester,” Jefferis said. “Not turning my work in on time, it messes my grades up a lot.”
Despite the lows of adjusting to a new environment, there are also many highs. Jefferis expresses how she is optimistic about the future.
“Probably making new friends and finishing the school year,” She said after being asked what she looks forward to as a freshman.
As a soon-to-be sophomore, Jefferis is also looking forward to changes in the coming year.
“I’m excited, I can’t wait to get out of the small cafeteria,” Jefferis said.
As work matters in high school, time management is a struggle, which is a common theme among freshmen.
Jefferis then gives advice to incoming freshmen: “Really just do not procrastinate, be sure to turn your work in on time.”
Another freshman, Cing Hoih, reflects on the pressure of turning work in on time.
“The hardest struggle in the first semester was trying to manage good grades,” Hoih said.
Also being asked about how she feels as an almost sophomore, Hoih’s perspective changes.
“My thoughts on being a sophomore are that I’m excited to start driving and gaining independence.”
However, she also reflects on some regrets and missed opportunities.
“I regret not joining any clubs,” Hoih said.
Hoih also shares an important reminder to incoming freshmen.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Hoih said.
A third student, freshman Jarvis Carter, shares his experiences. Just like Jefferis, he also thinks the hardest struggle is settling into a new school.
“Just adjusting, you know, to the ninth grade,” Carter said.
Carter represents Santa Fe on the basketball team. While still playing a sport, he manages intentions to keep good grades and keep progressing in his basketball career.
“It’s kind of hard, but it’s the simple things, like going home and studying and putting time into it,” Carter said.
As the first semester is over, Carter reflects on how this year is going for him.
“Kind of weird, but there’s more to come,” he said.
As straightforward as possible, Carter gives advice to soon-to-be freshmen.
“Please lock in, in class, because if you don’t, you won’t have good grades,” he said.
Overall, Santa Fe is a place for growth and responsibility. Students learn from mistakes and push through it trying not to repeat them. They do this while still having fun in their experiences and preparing for the future.
