Opinion by LuciaAmbrose 

There are not a lot of topics that all people agree on, but one thing everyone seems to have in common is that starting something new can be really difficult and scary. I remember the night before my first day of freshman year. I had no idea what to expect. Yes, I felt lots of excitement for the new journeys that awaited me, but those feelings also came with anxiety and fear for what could go wrong and all that I was unprepared for. 

Some advice that I wish I had been offered before going to Marian is that everyone is feeling the same anxiousness. You are not alone in your feelings of doubt, and I bet a majority of your peers have felt that way at some point in their journey. 

Heading into high school, I felt that I did not know many people going to Marian aside from the girls I had gone to grade school with. I wanted to branch out. I started going to the summer conditioning workouts with the cross country team. Even if you are not certain you want to play a sport, going to these summer workouts before your first day of school can be a good way to see the school in a new way and find some familiar faces. 

At Marian, there is a place for everyone. The possibilities of activities and extracurriculars to immerse yourself in are endless. Do not limit yourself in your involvement; be sure to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. You never know what you like if you do not put yourself out there and experience things.

A lot of Marian traditions like the Welcome Dance and Gnimocemoh can seem sort of weird if you have never seen or heard about them. However, keep an open mind and do not be afraid to participate. You will have a lot more fun being a part of them than standing on the sidelines judging them. 

High school can be very stressful. Be sure to make time to take care of yourself and still do things you love. Getting good sleep is really important for your mental and physical health so be sure to take that seriously and make it a priority. Never be afraid to ask upperclassmen for advice, because they have been in your exact position before. 

Do not be afraid of your teachers. They are there to help you, and, even if it does not always feel like it, they want to see you succeed. Communication is key. If you are struggling, speak up as soon as possible. Remember to utilize your resources. Every student has access to counselors and tutors. It is not embarrassing to ask for help. 

Be sure to talk to new people. Friends can be found anywhere. It is as simple as asking someone their name and how their day is going. So much of high school is about putting yourself out of your comfort zone and trying to grow as a person. 

Take things one step at a time. The transition into high school level school work can be very overwhelming. A lot is asked of you as a student but trust that it is for your own good and that you are ready for this. Be organized and learn how to manage your time in a way that works best for you. Make sure to use your planner and write things down.  

High school is a great time to try to find out who you are. Stay true to yourself in your friendships, and express your personality. At Marian, all students are empowered to feel confident to be who they are. Do not compare yourself to other students around you. We are all on our own journeys and doing the best we can. Good luck this year and do not be afraid to ask for help.