Freshmen are transitioning to AHS with ease despite challenges

By Izze Kaukonen

COVID-19 has been the focal point of 2020. From local businesses and the economy, to shelter animals and schools, COVID has changed everything, for better or worse. At the start of the pandemic, there was much concern in regards to the Class of 2020 seniors and how their final year in high school would play out. Later in the year, a similar issue came up, but on the other side of the experience. How will the school year look for the Class of 2024 freshmen?

The transition to high school is known to be hard, especially as an incoming freshman. Since the current freshmen started the year virtually, many worried about how they would deal with the transition to high school, in terms of both social life and academics. The freshmen had little to no interaction with the staff and previous AHS students before going back in-person (with the exception of those who play fall sports). How has the freshman experience been so far now that many of them are going back in person?

Izzy Meek, a freshman in Cohort B has had a good experience so far. Compared to AMS, she says that she likes AHS more due to the freedom and “opportunity to expand and make [her] own decisions.”

On the other hand, Izzy stated that “It’s almost impossible to make new friends, which was something [she] was looking forward to.” Making friends is a huge part of high school and is undoubtedly something that has been difficult due to the new learning environment.

In terms of academics, Izzy feels that she is as prepared as she can be, but sometimes circumstances arise that make it easier to make mistakes such as, “traveling and family matters.” She also added that she thinks that staff is doing a good job considering the circumstances, however, some students might need some more assistance regarding the placement of the restrooms.

Violet Emery, another freshman in Cohort B feels similarly to Izzy about the current school year. When asked about how she feels about in-person school, she stated that she, “Actually really like[s] it, I look forward to going on the days I do go.” However, she also stated that it is hard to stay motivated on days that she is not in person. When comparing AMS to AHS, Emery states that she, “like[s] how most of the teachers are understanding at both schools.” Similar to Meek, she also stated that she thinks that the faculty is doing a great job considering the pandemic.

“Actually really like[s] it, I look forward to going on the days I do go."- Violet Emery (AHS freshman)

The class of 2024’s first year of high school is surely not what anyone could have expected. From online school to mask mandates, 2020 has been a huge surprise. However, despite the hardships, the freshmen have dealt with these challenges exceedingly well. What will happen next is impossible to predict, but as of right now, the class of 2024 is doing the best with what they have been given.