Editor's Note: Cheyenne Draws finished her freshman year at New Smyrna High School and has three years to go before she graduates. Here's her take on being a freshman.
One year ago I was graduating from middle school and was anticipating my first year of high school and the next step to the rest of my life. Now I can officially say I survived being a “freshie,” and actually enjoyed being a ninth grader. Sure, I went from the top of the food chain in middle school to the bottom in high school, but honestly, the horror stories are way worse than what I actually experienced.
I recently went back to the middle school to volunteer and realized just how immature I and many of my friends were in those times. Probably the first thing I learned from high school was that I knew nothing at all; that in middle school I worried about all the wrong things and I was so oblivious to what really mattered.
You may say that in one year someone can’t possibly grow that much, but for me ninth grade has been the grade that I have had the most personal growth in. The transition is large and it’s somewhat subtle. You really get treated as an adult and no one is making you do anything.
You are the one that’s choosing to be in an AP course or being president of a club. Its full of independent choices that shape your high school and college experience. Now I say that it’s an independent journey, but that doesn’t mean you are alone. Personally, I have the most amazing friends. A lot of people can say that they have good friends but mine are like sisters, (and a brother), to me.
I think the best part of this past school year was finding these people that I can be myself around, be accepted and be loved by. Without them, ninth grade would honestly have been nothing compared to what it was. This past year has been a challenging, but very rewarding time.
I think the best part of this past school year was finding these people that I can be myself around, be accepted and be loved by. Without them, ninth grade would honestly have been nothing compared to what it was. This past year has been a challenging, but very rewarding time.
I took my first AP class and in July I find out the result of it. I found the people I can sincerely say will be around for a while. I discovered my passion; acting. I got my first B but not to worry, with weighted classes I still kept a 4.0 GPA. I ran and lost the freshman and sophomore election for president but learned what it takes to be a leader; not to give up even in the face of those who think you can’t and that in itself should motivate you to keep going.
I met talented, driven people that I had to say good-bye to at the recent graduation. I have become more vocal about my opinion versus keeping things to myself. I know the value of money and just how hard mine and many other parents work to provide for their children who are growing to be young adults.
I saw the effect of lonesomeness and depression when one of my peers committed suicide.
I saw the effect of lonesomeness and depression when one of my peers committed suicide.
All in all this past school year has truly been a growing experience and I’m sure there are many lessons to come. I’m bound to get stressed to the point of breaking but learn more than I lose.
I’ll probably get my first heartbreak and first love. I might find my calling and talent and what I should stay away from. I’ll grow away from my parents but come back even closer and finally I will realize the people that are meant to be in my life and the things worth worrying about. Until I figure this out I’ll just enjoy the ride.
I’ll probably get my first heartbreak and first love. I might find my calling and talent and what I should stay away from. I’ll grow away from my parents but come back even closer and finally I will realize the people that are meant to be in my life and the things worth worrying about. Until I figure this out I’ll just enjoy the ride.
And for now, I have an awesome summer with awesome people to look forward to.
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