By Vicki Li ’18, Staff Writer

As a confused freshman two years ago and an equally confused junior today, I know that going to a new school is tough. If you’re geographically challenged and thrown into a building full of people that already know each other, the first day can be a nightmare. Luckily, most of the NA student body has been through those “code red” situations, and are more than happy to share the tips and tricks to surviving freshman year.

The best place to start for advice would be with the students with the most experience: the seniors. They’ve been through the whole array of classes including Ancient World, Chemistry, TOK, and APUSH. I asked a group of three seniors who wish to remain anonymous for advice. After listening to their fake advice, they finally spit out some worthy information.

“Make sure you get an A- in Biology or you’ll have a hard time getting into honors science classes along the road,” warns one senior.

“Time management is key, especially when you’re doing high school sports. High school sports are a lot more time consuming than middle school ones; they’re usually twice as long,” says the second senior. In addition to that, the homework load is heavier, so utilizing your frees to get your homework done is important.

The last senior seemed to be getting war flashbacks as he relayed his advice: “Don’t take the SAT in ninth grade. I know from experience.”

Silvia Mejia, another senior, had only one pithy remark about freshman year. “Do your homework!” she said, a haunted look in her eyes. Unfinished précises and badly drawn frog-diagrams can plague you until the day you graduate from Newark Academy.

   I wandered over to the faculty offices of our school to see what good advice teachers had for their students. Ms. Graham, an English teacher, said to “manage your time well.”

  The next person I interviewed was Sam Ho, a member of the junior class. Since she’s doing the IB Diploma, is a two-season athlete, is a member of various musical groups, and still manages to sleep at 11, Sam seemed like the ideal candidate to dish out some effective advice. When I asked her, she barely hesitated before answering. “Walk faster.” The better piece of advice would be to watch out for Sam Ho if you have short legs.

Finally, I asked a new freshman, Kira Lu, for her advice for new freshman. “Be yourself!” she said, waving her hands wildly in the air. I would say that’s pretty solid for a newbie at this school.

If none of that helped you, maybe I can! As an accomplished junior who has yet to find out how to use the panini maker, I know just the right advice for scared freshmen.

1. If you can’t find your class, follow someone. On my second day of school, I had Wind Ensemble for one of my first classes. I had no idea the arts wing was connected to the main building, so I just followed someone who was carrying a trombone and magically appeared in the band room.
2. Claim your territory! If you didn’t know, the freshmen classically hang out in the L. This year, the sophomores have annexed it and left you guys to scatter to the corners of the school. Take back what is yours.
3. Brace yourself for the fifteen-minute rule about fourth period lunch. Fifteen minutes can easily turn into fifteen centuries.
4. Go all out during Spirit Week. Maybe you went to a school where only 2% of the student body knew it was Spirit Week. We are not that school.
5. Cherish this year. Don’t freak out over essays or labs. Remember what it’s like to go to sleep before midnight. Remember.