![Setter Emma Lee (9) sets the ball to the middle during the match against Pinewood on Sept. 12. “[I’m looking forward to] getting more skilled, learning more about my position and also becoming better friends with all of my teammates, Emma said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DSC_4917-2-1200x795.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasnt been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but Ive had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. Theres so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesnt exist, you can build it yourself, Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“Animation just clicked in a way. I had been interested in art, but that felt different. [Animation] felt like it had something behind it, whereas previous things felt surface level. I wasnt making that crazy of things, but just the process of doing it was much more enjoyable, Carter Chadwick (22) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Screen-Shot-2022-08-16-at-9.44.08-AM-900x598.png)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and its played such a major role in who Ive become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something Im [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala (21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“Im not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that theres a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyones so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you arent going to get those championships if you arent fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
How to Survive Freshman Year
Special to Harker Aquila
To avoid becoming the stereotypical frightened freshman, follow the tips in this article.
Though freshman year may seem daunting, these simple tips will allow you to experience a more enjoyable and successful year.
1) Try everything: Well, not everything, but freshman year is the one chance students have to experiment with numerous activities and clubs. As their workload increases during sophomore and junior years, students are left with less time to participate in extracurricular activities. Freshman year provides the opportunity for students to find what they are really passionate about. Also, if you join an activity and realize you do not enjoy it, stop. Immediately. Do not commit yourself to an activity that you despise for four years.
2) Make friends with your teachers: Shockingly enough, teachers do not bite, so do not be afraid to ask them questions. Chances are, several students are thinking of the same question you are and are just waiting for someone to speak up. Take advantage of extra help and study sessions to prepare for tests and do homework. If you are struggling in a particular class, you can always reach out and ask for help. Teachers are always happy to assist student. Also, let teachers know of special circumstances — for example, if you’re commuting from Nichols to Shah or vice versa, be sure to alert your teacher to avoid being marked late repeatedly.
3) Socialize: Yes, schoolwork is difficult and time-consuming. Yes, you are extremely busy. No, you do not need to become a hermit. Make new friends and cherish the time and memories you share with them. You can socialize and enjoy your time in school while still performing at a high academic level. Balancing work and play is a skill that is essential for life, and high school is the perfect place to learn it.
4) Sleepy: A healthy lifestyle is key to success in school and life in general. Aspects of a healthy lifestyle include eating well, regular exercise, and the most important component: sleep. Contrary to popular belief, sleeping less and studying more will not make you a better student. You simply cannot perform well surviving off three to four hours of sleep per night. You have time to sleep, and if you somehow do not think you do, make the time. This applies to exercise as well—twenty minutes a day is really all it takes.
5) Do not procrastinate: Procrastination is a habit that feeds off itself. Avoid it by using a planner, keeping track of assignments, and breaking larger projects into small pieces as opposed to cramming for a test the night before. If you simply cannot avoid temptation, try placing your laptop or phone in a separate room while working on homework or studying. If laptops are necessary for homework, use extensions such as StayFocusd or Block site to ban unrelated websites.
6) Befriend upperclassmen: Upperclassmen are extremely valuable resources. They were all nervous freshmen at one point, and will understand the difficulties and stresses of freshman year. Do not be afraid to reach out to them, whether through Link Crew, clubs, or other activities. Upperclassmen can provide advice and insight into sports, activities, courses, and more.
Maya Jeyendran (11) is the Lifestyle Editor of Harker Aquila. She been a part of Harker's journalism program since her freshman year, and has previously...
