Alex Ismael: the “what” and “who” of freshman year

It’s almost a year ago that I came to Linganore High School. I have learned so much over this past year, and not just academically. I have gone to so many new, cool places and done so many new, amazing things.

I have an older brother who had spent three years before me at Linganore. My brother being here gave me insight on what to expect: what to do, what mistakes not to make, how the school operated. It was like having a built in sherpa guide.  It’s nice to have a guide, but I also wanted to strike out on my own.

Linganore is a creative and busy place full of wonderfully welcoming people. I love the architecture and design of the school. Colors in every hallway, skylights upstairs combining natural and artificial light, making the building feel like so much more than a school. The teachers and administrators here are amazing, too. Everyone is rooting for you to learn and succeed. School spirit never lacks in any part of what we do.

I would say one of the most important things to do as a student here at Linganore is to find the thing that makes you happy through classes and extracurriculars. We have nearly everything you can imagine. If it isn’t already available, you can make it happen. It does not take much to start a club of your own. You just need two other people, a teacher advisor and an administrator to sign off–See SGA advisor Mr. Jeremy Brown for help.

There are two major things that I joined which have made my life better at Linganore. First is Student Government Association. I was able to help plan and carry out homecoming. I was able to show incoming 8th graders around Linganore. The most memorable event this past year was when I went to a statewide convention in Ocean City. Sounds like a lot, right? Well I definitely advise you to join SGA. It is a lot of fun to be involved in the core of school events–See Mr. Jeremy Brown about that, too.

The second thing that I joined was marching band. Linganore has the largest marching band in the county and one of the best. Band Camp is long and tiring, but has advantages. It basically gives you 120 instant friends, not to mention it puts you in the building for two weeks in the summer, where you can get comfortable without the crowds. The coolest thing from this year was being able to go on the spring trip, to Disney World in Florida. It was one of the best times in my life.

Even if you are not in band, you will find other awesome clubs and activities to be a part of. There is Mock Trial (run by my favorite teacher, Mrs. Hendi.) We even have Animals 101, where you get to learn  (and meet) different animals.  Most clubs meet during club day (so you don’t have to have a ride home from school).  Sports is a whole other area of involvement.

When I first came to Linganore I felt overshadowed by my brother, even after reassurance that I wasn’t. But over time (and now that he’s graduated) I am making a name for myself. This year FCPS had a video contest where any student could make a PSA about the dangers of drug use. I decided to enter because I love producing, filming, and editing videos (I’m on YouTube at Alex is…). And then a few weeks after entering, I found myself on a stage accepting first place for high school submissions! That just goes to show how I am finding different places for myself and doing well. You can do that to.  All it takes is a willingness to try.

I assure you that it may take some time to settle into a large place with so much opportunity, but you will make it! You will find your place at Linganore and you will love it, hopefully as much as I do. Enjoy your time here because it goes quickly.