In the Mix With ‘26
As I sat in my car, excitedly anticipating not only my first day of high school but also my first day at a new school in 11 years, I had no idea what to expect. I looked forward to meeting new people and broadening my horizons, but I was also nervous about finding my place at Riverdale, as I had never before been the “new kid.” During new student events, the fact that I was leaving Elisabeth Morrow, my old school, forever, never truly clicked. I had always thought of Riverdale as a far-off fantasy, but from the moment I stepped out of my car, it became my reality.
To say that walking into the Riverdale cafeteria was overwhelming would have been an understatement. Just two months before, my middle school had about 160 students. My graduating class consisted of only forty. After countless introductions and group activities, I began to feel more comfortable in this new environment. Then it came time to go to class. I remember going home on my first day, astonished by how bright my classmates and teachers were. In the beginning, I would at times feel like I was not smart enough for my classes. However, I learned to overcome that feeling as I got more used to my classes. Even though my classes are more challenging than they were in middle school, I enjoy learning things at a more complex level and engaging in insightful class discussions.
Now, about a month into the school year, I have gotten used to school and my new routine. As every day comes to a close, I find myself becoming more accustomed to high school. For example, over the past few weeks, I have learned more about time management while trying to balance my schoolwork, cross-country practice, and competitive dance team. But it is not always easy. It can be challenging to finish all my school work while simultaneously navigating Riverdale friendships and sustaining relationships with old friends. Fortunately, even though many people in my grade have known each other for a long time, they have been very kind and inclusive of me and the other new students. My classes push me to think in new ways, and I enjoy being challenged. To be honest, I was surprised when I got back some of my preliminary assignments and assessments because the grading had been much more rigorous than I expected. Nevertheless, I am getting much better at understanding what my teachers expect of me in class, on homework, and on assessments.
Strangely, one of the most surprising things about high school was how different it was from movies, books, and TV shows. I quickly learned that, contrary to many pop-culture sources, high school is not that different from middle school. My world never changed overnight and I certainly did not feel much older, but it was still a considerable adjustment. High school is a time of self-discovery, and I have truly learned more about myself during this process. Through this experience, I have come to understand that adjustments will never be easy, so it is essential to make the most out of them and look at them in a positive light. I feel as if things are finally beginning to fall into place, and I am so excited for what is to come.
