A Letter to Freshmen

Dear Freshmen,

I hope that the start of your first year of high school has been wonderful. I hope that you all are learning new things and making new friends. You have so many things to look forward to (GOFA, activities and events, plays, for example) and I hope that you all continue enjoying your freshmen year.

I am happy to say that your manners in the hallways have improved and you are generally not as annoying as you were on my first day of school. Of course, there are still about a third of you that think it is okay to form a circle in the middle of the hallway…..and of course there are those of you who, during passing time, stop suddenly in the middle of the hall to speak to your friend. Please don’t do that! My face has hit enough backpacks. But overall, it has improved.

Since respect is vital in any social setting, I strongly urge you to continue your respectful behavior towards your teachers and fellow Sibley students. I really hope that you are respecting your teachers by saying “please” and “thank you” and by following their rules and regulations. I really hope that you are respecting your classmates by being aware of their personal space, not spreading vicious rumors, and by generally being a nice person to be around. Don’t forget about the janitors and lunch ladies. Clean up after yourself and remember that what they are doing is for your well-being.

I hope that I get to see your lovely faces at all the great events we have here at Sibley such as basketball games, shows and performances, GOFA events, and other clubs’ and organizations’ activities. You’ll get to meet new people and you’ll be able to support Sibley.

During my freshman year, I really wish that someone had said “Look out for your future.” Therefore, I am telling you right now to please look out for your future. By that I mean to give an effort in your classes. Strive to be the best student you can be. Get into extracurricular activities, clubs and / or sports. Look at potential career choices or look for colleges and universities that you may want to attend. Figure out what your dream for your future is and plan on achieving that dream.

Because I did not look out for myself freshmen year, I am now suffering the consequences. I am still trying to figure out what college I want to attend. I’m not really sure what I want to be when I grow up. I don’t know if what I have is enough to impress the admissions counselors or my future employers.

It’s okay for you to not know anything about your future right now, but I’m sure you all at least want something for yourself later in life. If it’s college, then start looking. If it’s to be the next Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift, practice more. If you want be happy, surround yourself with positive people. You are the one who ultimately decides your future. Why not start now?

I want you to remember to enjoy your time here at Sibley. High school is such an important time in our lives. It’s when we learn our greatest lessons. It’s when we learn how to drive and write out a resume. It’s when we form our personalities and find ourselves. Don’t stress out too much. Don’t worry about boyfriends and girlfriends or if you’re good enough. You don’t need a boyfriend or girlfriend and you certainly are good enough. Remember Bessie the Cow and those awful vocabulary packets (tip: keep them; they come in handy). Remember flaming balloons and reading Romeo and Juliet. Remember that you are a freshman and that you have so much to look forward to, both here and after you graduate. Good luck!

-A Senior

Tags: henry happenings, sibleyscribe