Some advice
Last year was one of the weirdest years I’ve had so far in my
educational career. A lot of things changed, and it was hard to even try.
Everything was very different as a freshman: I started it with little to no
knowledge about the high school, as well as all of these restrictions that were
taking place due to COVID. It definitely was hard, and I was unmotivated at the
beginning of my freshman year.
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| Ingrid Martinez - HBRHS Sophomore |
As the weeks went on and I got to know my teachers and the school, everything started to be a bit easier. There were still restrictions: the classes were smaller and there was a point that we had to move to fully remote learning, but my teachers definitely made my freshman year better. They were more interactive with us, in some of my classes there were daily questions and check-ins that I looked forward to answering, they made the environment in the classroom enjoyable to be in, and I knew I could rely on them if I needed anything, even when they were also getting used to these changes. I’m really grateful for that.
As for the rest of the year, it was
still complicated for me and some of my classmates. I don’t think it was easy
for any of the students in the high school, but I also think that we learned a
lot: not only about the school, but also about ourselves and the things we
value. It was hard for sure, but I wouldn’t change what I got out of
it.
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| HBRHS Students from left to right: Jackie Campuzano, Fatima Morales, Lilliana Martinez and Ingrid |
Some advice that I would give to the current freshman: I feel like
you’ve heard this a lot, but really, don’t be afraid to speak up about
something that worries you or something that you need help with, no matter if
it’s school-related or even with personal situations. (in life? In academics?)
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or to raise your hand in class. It’s worth it,
and I’m sure that the teachers really appreciate it, even maybe your
classmates. I’m also a very shy person, but I’ve tried my best to participate and
ask questions when I need it during and outside of class. Join clubs that you know you are going to
enjoy being a part of, or even join student council, that was something that
really pushed me to be more comfortable to give my ideas and opinions; it made
me participate and so far, I can tell you that it is worth it.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of my sophomore year is going to be. I can already see some of the changes that we are going to make as a school as well as the new things that I didn’t get to experience last year. I hope the freshman class gets the same welcoming experience that I had during my freshman year.
Ingrid Martinez