Confusing. That is how many students describe their freshman year.
In a school that has close to 2,7000 students, it can be quite overwhelming with how many opportunities Carroll has to offer. With countless clubs, classes, sports, and pathways, a lot of new students feel like they don’t know how to get involved quickly.
Students can become more involved by spending less time on devices, joining clubs and trips, and putting themselves out there. A lot of students tend to have their phones everywhere with them.
Even with new phone policies, many people are typically on their phones at lunch, passing periods, and extracurricular activities.
“The more we have our head down on our screens, the less we see someone else who might also be alone,” said Jessica McClure, a freshman guidance counselor
Spending more time on our devices can decrease chances of having face-to-face socialization, and building new friendships with people. Many people believe this problem makes it more difficult to be social.
“You go to a doctor’s office, you sit on a bus or an airplane, it is what is safer,” said McClure.
With electronics becoming more of a necessity, there is a need to take time away from the internet and put ourselves back into the real world in order to not feel isolated.
A great way to become more involved in school is joining a club, extracurricular, sport, or a trip with other students. There are dozens of opportunities to meet new people, especially those who have the same interests and likes as you do.
“They give you a year or two years ahead of time, so if money is an issue, a student who wants to go has time to raise money,” said Spanish teacher Rachael McGuire.
Carroll offers trips around the world over summer break, that give students the opportunity to travel and make new friends. The trip itself is flexible, and gives students a great amount of time to raise money, or if anything changes.
“It is an amazing way to spend time with other students” said McGuire.
For a lot of students, trying something for the first time can be a big change, and can be quite stressful. However, it is important to remember that being worried about it is part of the process.
“It’s a matter of putting yourself out there and being uncomfortable,” said Corrine Lower, a 10-12 psychology and U.S history teacher.
Being nervous about a new opportunity is a completely normal thing, and it is important to take risks sometimes. If you don’t, you might just regret it.
New classes, clubs, and extracurriculars are always coming to the school all the time, so make sure to keep an eye out for some new opportunities. For new students coming in, this can be a nice reset from the transition of middle school to high school, and it gives a great chance of finding new people and interests.
“You should give anything and everything a try,” Lower said.
