Freshman year is the most crucial year of high school, as it sets the tone for academic achievement and social standards. It can be a fresh start, or for some students, the beginning of ongoing struggles and painful lessons. When students start high school, their understanding of expectations is often far from accurate.
Freshman year can be intimidating, confusing, scary, overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting; mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. High school becomes a rude awakening when failed classes must be repeated and discipline hinders progress toward graduation. Students may struggle with making healthy decisions that aren’t socially attractive.
It is essential that students identify trusted adults, develop boundaries with peers, prioritize academics and attendance, strive for high grades, join extracurriculars, and incorporate healthy habits. Students who surround themselves with people who promote good habits and motivate them to take ownership of their high school career will experience more success and less stress.Â
The goal of high school is to prepare students for graduation and life. Freshmen can take ownership of their success by taking control of the things they have control over, letting go of the things they cannot control, and distancing themselves from unhealthy relationships. Setting goals as a freshman and speaking up about concerns and feelings can significantly improve a student’s chances of success.Â
Social adjustments are expected; students may have to redefine what is cool. Freshmen are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. Having the courage to set boundaries with peers doesn’t come easily to most students. Students should build relationships with those who promote healthy habits that propel them toward graduation, such as trusted adults and positive peers.
Understanding the connection between academic success and maximizing opportunities for the future is imperative. Typically, a GPA (Grade Point Average) is generated by averaging the points earned from each letter grade at the end of a grading period and/or semester; an F can result in a course being repeated if it is part of the graduation plan established with the student’s academic counselor. On average, most colleges require a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, but this can vary. Freshmen should know their high school academic counselor, establish solid communication, and work closely with them to stay alert to educational opportunities and progress toward a successful post-graduation plan.
Parents play a major role in student success by modeling helpful qualities such as organization, problem-solving, assertiveness, and navigating opportunities that promote growth. Parents should connect with school personnel to establish communication and create a network of trusted adults to collaborate with during the student’s high school years. Parents also need access to grades and attendance. They should check in with their student daily about successes and struggles.
Parents should also connect with school staff as needed, but also direct their student to reach out to teachers to encourage independence, build appropriate and effective problem-solving and communication skills, and encourage positive relationships. Parents should attend all available parent nights, orientations, and any other opportunities to be present with their child in the school building.Â
Freshman year can make or break a high school career. According to the US Department of Education, students fail ninth grade more than any other grade in high school. This can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement that can result in less effort, lower motivation, and the possibility of dropping out. Freshman year is challenging; it requires more attention, organization, maturity, and independence. Freshman year also requires students to make more thoughtful decisions rather than decisions based upon impulse or popularity.Â
In conclusion, students are capable of graduating and can learn all the necessary tools to achieve their goals. However, work begins on the first day of high school, when every student will decide how they will use their opportunity to learn. Supportive adults and a growth mindset will carry a student far. However, high school should also be fun, exciting, and full of new experiences that can be enjoyed more fully when academics are well-managed.    Â
Katie Martin, MSW, LCSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Bosse High School in Vanderburgh County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Over 54,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
