As a new school year begins, freshmen come up from middle school. They have to get used to a new layout and how things are run. It has been proven rather quickly that they are excited for new opportunities and achievements in high school. Two freshmen, Sheila Kern and Kaitlyn Gallagher, were interviewed to share their opinions and experiences so far. 

     Almost all freshmen were nervous for the first day. It is a new building with new people. Most students have their schedules down as well as their way around the school, but there is another issue that is not helping them. The time between classes is not enough. A lot of freshmen have expressed that they feel like they are being rushed constantly. “I just think we need a little bit more time between classes, especially in the morning when we’re going to our lockers, homerooms and before lunch time.” said Sheila Kern. For example, if a student has Spanish during period 3 and has Gym during period 4, they would have to go to their locker, walk all the way there, and change within five minutes. It is a struggle that many were not expecting to face. 

    Many are excited for the new opportunities the high school holds. That includes more sports, clubs, and programs. “My favorite part about high school so far is that we’re being given the chance to be more independent, and we are being given more opportunities than middle schoolers get, like clubs or double the sports then we got in both elementary and middle school,” said Kaitlyn Gallagher. Some of these new sports include golf, girls wrestling, bocce ball, and bowling. Many students think it is nice to have more diverse sports. There is also one program that many are looking forward to joining in 10th grade: BCTC, or Berks Career & Technology Center. 

     With all this in mind, the freshmen are excited for high school. It is a new experience to grow and mature. “Slowly but surely I’m understanding where my classes are and I am pretty confident that I will do the best in my studies and work,” said Kaitlyn.