My First Day In High School

“You look familiar,” the man says, maintaining his eye contact. A small sliver of nerves start to form within Cander, he takes a silent and deep composing breath.

If given the ability to travel back in time to my first day at Westside High School, and I was able to change my high school experience with advice to my freshman self, I would leave him with these five pieces of advice: sit on the right side of the gym, get involved with a team sport, study/do homework, be more cynical of the people he considered his “best” friends, and enjoy the underclassman years as much as possible. I wouldn’t want to completely remodel my high school years because I am pleased with how things turned out for me. However, it would be arrogant to say that I wouldn’t change a thing, and that I did everything right the first time around. If given this opportunity, I would do my best to tell myself said things in order to create a better version of myself. A version that is more (1) timely, (2) goal oriented, (3) responsible, (4) college prepared and (5) perspicacious.

First year as a middle schooler, I was always so excited of the thought of finally getting out of elementary. It was still kind of tough because my school which was a k-8 had closed down because of some law suits. I was suppose to stay with all of the friends I had all the way up to high school but we all went to different schools once ours closed down.

"Today  is August 10th, 2065 and it is my first day of Year 6 and I am only 9 years old." I sighed as I finished speaking for the online journal and I watched the spoken words turn to typed words on the holographic screen. I closed my eyes and put my head in the palm of my pale hand as I closed up the journal, unable to think of anything else to write at the moment. After a few more seconds of just sitting at the desk, I decided I could just finish writing later, so, I decided to get ready for my final year at the Skill School.

On August 14, 2015 it was my first day at FHS. My alarm turned on at 6:30 a.m and the sun was shinning through my window, plus the smell of fresh air blew through my window. As, I was about done getting ready, my sister as if I wanted breakfast, she made, french toast with strawberries and bananas on the side. Knowing that the bus was arriving, I asked my sister to drop me off at school, because I was scared and nervous. I honestly didn't know what to expect, for my first day of school.

My life has been weird. I’m made fun of by my teachers, kids and parents. I got bullied yesterday by The Brett Anderson, that thinks he’s better than me. I have ragged clothes, old shoes and no electronics at home. Speaking of home, my dad left and I’m stuck with my mother who hates me. She left me when I was young and came back just in time for my 7th grade year which was this year. She left when my dad spent all of his money on the lottery. My mom doesn’t care about me, and she only came back because she loves my dad, but since my dad left she has been a mad wreck. I don't care that my parents hate me. I would rather be alone than bullied by my parents. At school there is no one that cares for me. One day, Mr.Halla (my science teacher) made me stay after class and clean up the room because I sneezed. People don't like me, and that’s a fact. Enough about my past, let's get onto the story.

My first week of high school went much better than I anticipated. I definitely stressed myself out quite a bit more than I needed to, but it was actually fun. You could say it was pretty “chill” as the kids say. Everyone who has ever been in Chorus misses Mrs. Hartung since she moved to the elementary school. But other than that, everything else is similar to last year. It's scary that I’ll already be looking at fancy college-y things when I read this letter a second time.

The ride could not have felt any longer, as I kept checking my watch. The driver looked at me in the mirror and said “Don’t worry little lady, you’re not going to be late. Besides, we’re already here! See?” I looked up as we pulled up to the front gates. There it was. My second home for the next five years, Palo Seco Secondary School. The the sight of the broken down, white and rusting school gates made me so incredibly anxious, that I stumbled out of the car clumsily as I exited the taxi in a rush. It was my first day of Junior High.

For me, the first day of high school felt as if I was a baby chick coming out of an egg. Of course, I had the right to feel that way because it was a whole different environment and a whole new game plan. I was super nervous walking to and from classes that I even got lost many times. My high school was big, with over 3,000 students and many programs. I was tiny to begin with and then I looked at other students, they were way taller than me, I felt out of place. On the bright side, I was not the only one who was lost; many other kids were lost, too. From there I began to make new friends and ended up circling the whole basement to find the lunchroom. Till today we still laugh at our silly mistakes. Overall, I felt like the four years of my high school experience were very memorable, but I learned the most my freshmen year.

It was sixth grade when I met Paige and Carmen. About five years ago, can’t believe it’s been so long. I moved to Lewis Central just the year before and I didn’t really have very many friends. I remember the first time I met them, it was Carmen’s first year here but Paige had been there for awhile. We all had band together Carmen played the clarinet, I played the flute and Paige played the trumpet. It was like we instantly found each other even though we didn’t know each other. We’ve been best friends ever since that year.

Highschool, what everyone seems to look forward to, till the day comes. As an incoming freshman many questions come - Will my friends still be there after summer that I haven’t seen? Is it as hard as others say it is? Will I have friends in my classes? Will the teachers like me? As hard as it seems once you realize that almost everyone around you is wondering the same things there is really no reason to worry.

Everyone always says how everything changes in high school. You’re treated with more responsibility and more homework, just more of everything. There is a big transition from junior high to high school. The thought of entering high school for me was exciting and scary all at once. The fact that I’ll be with all of the big kids was pretty scary and being in high school and being a part of it was exciting.

The sun gradually crept up from the darkness and brought brightness into the small little town of Manville. The sunshine poured light into my window bringing warmth. My eyes adjusted to the new lightning and I opened my eyes from a well-rested sleep. I stared at my ceiling and thought, my first day of high school. Filled with excitement and with butterflies in my stomach, I leaped out of bed and started getting ready for the day. My outfit was carefully laid out and my backpack was already set; full of fresh new school supplies and my neatly completed summer homework. I swung it over my shoulder, ready to take on the day. I headed downstairs and greeted my mom in the kitchen, who prepared a delicious breakfast.

“Well, I guess we're going to be in here for a awhile. What’s your names? Mine’s Claire.” I ask, trying to start some small talk. I usually don’t socialize, but since we're trapped in this small space for awhile, I think it’s better to try and get to know each other.

rst days are always nerve racking. Whether it is the first day back to school, or the first day at a new job. But nothing is more terrifying then your first day of high school. And you can quote me on that. I remember my first day of high school like it was 3 and ½ years ago. I had a horrible night’s sleep. I woke up to the sound of my alarm buzzing by my head. Hauling my lifeless and tired body out of my bed, I put on my glasses as I made my way to the bathroom. I did my usual morning routine, knowing that this time was different. This was leading up to my first day. Finishing up, I returned to my bedroom where I had laid out my uniform nice and neat (something that I wouldn’t do for the next 3 and ½ years). I had my crisp and clean white polo shirt, my lovely grey pants, and most importantly, my navy colour vest with the school logo on it. As I put on my uniform, I knew I was one step closer to walking through the doors of high school. After a quick look in the mirror, I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, where my parents were sitting. Grabbing a bowl and a spoon, I poured myself some cereal and milk (most likely Froot Loops). Could this be my last bowl of cereal, or was I completely over exaggerating what may happen to me in high school? I would soon find out.