Freshman vs. Seniors: Perspectives on RHS

High school is viewed by many as a time filled with endless homework, pressure-packed tests, and the overwhelming goal of “college prep.” But beyond these academic challenges, high school is so much more. It’s a place where students can begin to discover who they really are and what they’re passionate about. It’s where friendships are formed – some that will last a lifetime – and experiences are had that shape the person they will become. It’s a place to grow both in big and small ways

As freshmen begin their high school journey, they bring with them hopes, expectations, and dreams for the future. We’ve all wondered about which classes to take, the friends we hope to meet, and of course, the person we want to become over the next four years. However, as many progress and eventually become seniors, many often realize that high school has changed them in ways they never imagined. Looking back, they reflect on the opportunities they took, the moments they regret, and the lessons they learned along the way.

For many freshmen, stepping into high school feels like entering a new world. It’s bigger, more complicated, and filled with endless possibilities and a few challenges. Freshman Tijler Westdijk describes his experience: “High school is going quite well, but in the beginning, it was hard to adjust to the extra workload compared to middle school. Now, more than a month in, I’ve pretty much adjusted.” At first, the expectations can seem overwhelming, but like anything, as time goes on, people learn to adapt and how to manage the load.

Freshman Janice Park, like Tijler, has found a way to balance school, sports, and social life. “I’m able to balance schoolwork, sports, and my social life, and I like that there’s a lot more freedom in high school,” she says. This balance is something that many freshmen quickly learn to value. Where they not only get to face new academic challenges but also have the chance to participate in extracurricular activities and meet new people.

Like many freshmen, Janice is also excited about what’s to come. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people in high school and taking classes that’ll hopefully open new opportunities for me,” she says. The idea of meeting new people is a common hope among freshmen, as high school provides an opportunity to interact with a much larger group of peers than middle school ever did. Freshman Tijler shares a similar sentiment: “I’m looking forward to seeing and being a part of sports, making new friends, and getting to know more people.”

While freshmen are still finding their footing, many are already beginning to set goals for themselves. Tijler hopes to join the soccer team, maintain his place in the advanced program, and meet new people throughout his high school years. He’s already thinking about his future: “If I could tell my future self one thing, it would be to not be nervous about meeting new people and to just try your best, no matter what.”

Many other freshmen, including Owen, are focused on a more long-term picture. “If I were to tell my future self anything, it would have to be ‘Don’t peak in high school,'” he adds, showing how he values high school more as a stepping stone into other parts of life.

Despite the initial challenges, these freshmen show their enthusiasm and optimism about what lies ahead. They may be learning how to navigate the complex social scene and manage their academic responsibilities, but they’re also beginning to see how high school can offer them opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and discover new interests.

As seniors look back on their high school experiences, they often see how much they’ve changed. And they begin to reflect on the lessons they’ve learned, both inside and outside the classroom, that have shaped them into the people they are today. For many seniors, high school has been a time of  personal growth, freedom, and self-discovery.

Senior Mathias Nguyen-Van-Duong reflects on how much he’s grown over the past few years: “I enjoyed high school. I loved the freedom that we got moving on from middle school, which allowed me to truly grow independently as a person. RHS’s many activities, sports. Its diversity allowed me to try out so many different hobbies, passions, and interests that shaped me as a person.” For seniors, high school is not just about academic success—it’s also about discovering what they’re passionate about, whether that’s through sports, clubs, or other extracurriculars.

However, the most valuable thing high school has to offer for many of these seniors are friendships. “Some of my most memorable moments were honestly just hanging out with friends late at night and enjoying life without always focusing on schoolwork,” says Mathias. It’s these connections that often leave a lasting impact, and many seniors look back on their time in high school with gratitude for the people who became their closest friends.

Senior Ryan El Nabli shares a similar view: “I enjoyed high school because of all the new friends I made and the social aspects outside the classroom.” He points to moments like being on the high school soccer team and the memorable trip to Greece and Italy with the Ridgewood Latin students as some of his most unforgettable experiences. But even with all the fun and socializing, Ryan also has his regrets. “I would change my work ethic and my honesty for my high school career,” he admits. “I would also try hard to be mature and not let the kids who talk about grades too much affect my opinion of myself.”

Looking back, seniors often wish they had taken a different approach to some parts of their high school experience. Mathias acknowledges that, with the knowledge he has now, he might have handled his academics and extracurriculars differently. “Honestly, if I were to go down a similar path that I did, maybe I would GPA/EC minimax better with the knowledge that I have,” he says. “But if we’re looking at it from a more optimistic perspective, I would probably try out some different sports that I never got to try.”

Despite the regrets, seniors have a deeper understanding of what truly matters in high school: the friendships and memories that last a lifetime. “It’s imperative to focus on your passions and have fun in high school instead of just doing schoolwork,” says Mathias. “In the end, high school will probably be where you form some of your closest friends throughout your childhood, and it’s best to enjoy that last little bit of freedom before getting consumed in the competitive world out there.”

Senior Kosuke Yoshikawa offers some practical advice, based on his own experiences: “I think having good time management is very important in high school and I wish I did better.” Time management is something many seniors wish they had perfected earlier, as it would have made balancing academics, extracurriculars, and social life a little easier.

These seniors like Ryan, Mathias, and Kosuke all have come to the understanding that high school is about more than just grades. It’s about the lessons learned, the mistakes made, and the friendships formed. Ryan sums it up perfectly: “You’re allowed to make mistakes, and you’ll learn so many things from these four years. You’ll become a whole new person.”

For freshmen, their journey through high school has just begun. They’re stepping into a world filled with challenges and opportunities, and while it may seem overwhelming at first, it’s important to remember that high school is a time of exploration and growth. And just like the seniors who are about to graduate, the lessons learned and the friendships formed during these four years will shape their lives.