The Class of 2026 has almost made it through their first quarter of high school. 

The transition from middle to high school can be one of the most exciting transitions of one’s life, yet it can also be one of the most stressful. 

Thankfully, it seems that this year’s freshmen have mostly adjusted to the new setting. 

For example, Alex Thomas, who never got the chance to have a shadow day in middle school, has gotten past his anxiety felt during the first week of school. 

The same is true for Ashley Vanegas, who said, “I am less nervous than I was at the beginning of the school year. I have met more people, and I have gotten to know the school better.” 

This initial anxiety seems to mostly stem from the sheer number of students at the school, a major adjustment for a lot of students. 

“One of the biggest differences from middle school is the number of people in the building,” said Addison Spencer. “Since I come from a smaller school, adjusting has been difficult and somewhat stressful.” 

Another big difference seems to be the amount of work freshman are expected to do. 

“The biggest difference from middle school has to be the amount of study and homework,” explained Michael Retel. “No matter how hard you work there’s always something to do after school.” 

Jordan Johnson agrees that the work is significantly more difficult, explaining that “teachers don’t guide you through every step of your homework. You have to take more responsibility for projects, homework, and studying.” 

Adjusting has been made significantly easier to those who have taken the initiative to get involved with the school. 

Grace Goh, for instance, has already joined Drama Club, Writers Union and Yearbook Club and has been having a lot of fun despite the increase in homework.

Charlee King, who has gotten involved with sports at NDA, claimed, “Sports have helped me get involved with the school and meet upperclassmen.”

Madison Siminski, who also has gotten involved with sports, reported that her favorite part of NDA has thus far been meeting new people and getting to know others better than before. 

Other freshman have also had great experiences throughout the school year.

Lillianna Poelmann expressed that the best part of NDA for her has been “meeting new people, both students and teachers.” 

“I also love the new experiences and chances I get,” she added. 

Mitchell Belongia has so far enjoyed going to football games and dances—a view that many freshmen agree with. 

Cameron Michiels even believes that the sports at the school are the best part of NDA. 

However, sports can also be a very time-consuming endeavor. 

“The worst part of high school is having sports until late and still having to do homework after,” said A.J. Broullire.

For others, the worst part of high school has been the embarrassing moments that most freshmen experience at one time or another. 

Adin Wasilkoff described when she was having trouble getting her backpack out of her locker in between two boys.

“When I finally got it out, I stumbled backwards three feet, and I wanted to cry,” said Wasilkoff. 

“My most embarrassing moment was when I got a referral for taking a BeReal in math class,” explained Ian Johnson.

Alex Thomas expected to walk into his fifth-period class but was instead greeted with a classroom full of seniors. 

Thomas had walked into the class during fourth period.

Even with all of these embarrassing moments, it is clear that the majority of freshmen are beginning to get into the swing of high school.