Emily Seth: The “how” and “why” of freshman year

Okay, so I’m going to try and be completely honest here. Last year, around this time, I was terrified. I mean, I was excited, and happy, but still terrified of being a freshman in high school.

This wasn’t the first time I had changed schools, obviously. In fact, I have moved more often than most people my age, since I was transferred from Kemptown to Green Valley, changing my path from a Hawk to a Lancer.

It’s just that high school was so big, so new, and so intimidating.

I’m the oldest in my family: my only sister started middle school this year, both of us reaching new school stepping stones, so to speak. At least she had my experiences to look to for guidance. I had no idea what to expect or what high school would be like, and I found the task very, very daunting. The cavernous size of Linganore really didn’t help the matter.

It was band that gave me a head start. With everything we do during the spring, band camp in the summer, and our first performance being a parade in August before school even starts, we have a lot of time to get to know each other. By the first day of school, I had become family with 100 dedicated people.

Sure, I’m not close to all of these people, even now after a year, but there are some things you can’t go through without bonding with those suffering alongside you. By suffering, I mean marching at 144 beats per minute in the middle of a parking lot on a 100 degree day at one in the afternoon in the middle of summer. It’s worth it in the end, but boy are Separators painful (10 yards forward, 5 yards back, repeat until you’ve crossed a football field).

The upperclassmen helped me learn where my classes were, and everyone is so supportive, especially Mr. Lloyd, our “ringleader” so to speak.

My advice to the incoming freshman? Well, this’ll probably sound all cheesy, and you’ll be all like “Ugggggghhhhh everyone keeps telling me this!” I can’t help that it’s true. Get involved. Join clubs. I made the mistake of stopping at band. There are dozens of other programs Linganore offers, from the drama department to sports to clubs to my home turf, marching band.

Whatever you choose, there are supportive soon-to-be friends, ready to help you in any way they can. If we end up being in one of the same groups, hello in advance, and welcome to the Lancer Family!