5 things seniors wish they knew freshman year

Abby Mitchell, Staff Writer

Beginning high school can be a scary time–a new building, tougher curriculum, and an abundance of students that you have never seen before. As a freshman, students will undoubtedly face hardships and will one day come to a point in high school where they wish they could somehow rewind time in order to experience some things that they never did during their time at Jacksonville High School.

Don’t lack on core classes

Although sometimes it may be tough to enjoy all of your core classes (math, science, English, and social studies), it is important that you take these classes very seriously. These are essential to what you need to learn (curriculum wise) before leaving high school. Many colleges want to see that students have been pushing themselves in these core classes and not to mention, paying attention in math, English, and science will really shine through on your ACT.

Take AP classes

When you get the opportunity, take AP classes. Not only will these classes prepare you for college level courses, but they can also get you college credit, which can save you a lot of time and money down the road! In addition, the AP teachers at JHS are outstanding and extremely helpful and will always do what they can to help a student grasp a concept or idea.

Take writing and reading seriously

Even if you don’t think that reading and writing is essential to what you want to do later in life, someone with quality reading and writing skills will always have an advantage over someone who does not. So, when your teacher gives you an essay to write or a book to read, take your time and take it seriously because these skills will last you a lifetime.

Don’t be afraid to take the lead

Being a leader can extend to a lot of definitions, but a leader will always be appreciated by someone. Oftentimes a leader is labeled as bossy or overbearing, but what these people don’t seem to know is that without leaders, things would never get done. But really… imagine if we just didn’t have principals, CEOs, or presidents?

Get yourself involved

One thing every senior can agree on is that they wish they would have gotten more involved. While joining a new club or sports team can be scary, it is a step that every freshman should take right off the bat. There are a ton of different activities that a freshman can join at JHS. And by the way, colleges REALLY like to see that you are involved within your school and that you are taking leadership roles within those activities.