When entering the halls of Cooper City High School on the first day of a student’s first year, there is really nothing to be said, as many believe this is just one moment in the overall timeline of a person’s life. Students cautiously make their way through the traffic of the student body as they rush to their first-hour class, their minds sounding with thoughts of “What comes next?” and “What happens first?”
It’s not generally acknowledged by these students that those first moments are pivotal. In those first moments, students begin to shape their thought process for the remainder of their high school career.
Likewise, freshmen year is equally as important.
In selecting the most rigorous courses, in choosing to join Key Club or Best Buddies, and in navigating the social hierarchy of your class, students are forging an identity for themselves that will propel them through the worst of high school and into their early college years.
This is by no means an article meant to discourage students. Regardless of what one does in high school, there is always the opportunity for betterment. Yet, high school success helps to build a strong foundation for when students begin applying to college and later applying for jobs.
One of the most important things students overlook is that they have the ability to select the courses they take. This is probably one of the most valuable moments during freshman year. Course selection allows students the ability to take the courses that will–not only benefit themselves but present them as being ready to take on
Students are forging an identity for themselves that will propel them through the worst of high school and into their early college years.
Students are able to choose from a wide selection of courses that range from the arts to the sciences, thus enabling them a platform to pursue other, more challenging courses in the future. This is extremely important as, in the future, colleges want to see students taking on a rigorous course load.
“I chose my classes by talking to upperclassmen as well as my parents and trying to figure out what worked best for me,” said Vice President of the CCHS Thespians, sophomore Rachel Goldberg. “ I wanted my course load to reflect my ambition as well as my intelligence and interests.”
This also allows students the ability to excel as they have the ability to pick the courses best suited to their needs, thereby helping them to begin paving their way into their high school experience.
During freshman year, students can also take entry-level courses, such as Journalism and Intro to Video Tech, that may lead to success in other clubs like Cowboy Television (CTV), Round Up (the school’s yearbook), and The Lariat (this publication and the school’s newspaper).
“When I entered TV1, I was expecting a random class I would simply pass and move on to some other elective I enjoyed more,” President of CTV, senior Gabby Carbone said. “Little did I know it would influence my future career.”
Students should also be aware of their opportunities to join clubs. Rush Week is yet another pivotal moment in the lives of any freshmen class, presenting them with the opportunity to decide upon a club, or clubs, that may become a significant part of their high school experience.
“I wanted my course load to reflect my ambition as well as my intelligence and interests.”
“I found Art Club in my the middle of my sophomore year,”senior Isaac Chiu said. “Under the guidance of Mrs. Barr, who was already my portfolio teacher, I felt like I was truly impacting the school landscape. Now I’m vice president and I wish I had found it sooner.”
Whether or not students are drawn into theatre, or they’re compelled to join something like Video Game club, there’s something out there for everyone.
Freshmen year establishes a foundation for every student, and, as within anything, building a strong foundation enables for a greater structure. This is a time during which students should seize hold of the possibilities presented to them. It can only benefit them in the long run.
As for the incoming freshmen class, some advice would be to be receptive towards any opportunities that come your way. Life is a culmination of moments that contribute to a greater storyline. Not everyone has the same experiences or the same moments, however, each person is allowed to grow or falter based on these instances.
“Don’t be shy,” Carbone said. “Smile at everyone and make small talk to anyone you encounter. They might just end up becoming a really good friend.”
Photo by The Lariat Staff
