The 2017-2018 school year is drawing to a close. About a year ago, I was preparing for the next school year at Lawrence High: a completely different place from what I was used to.

Being a freshman for the past year has been an interesting experience. My first day was a mix of new faces, new classes, and a new place. It seemed kind of overwhelming at first, but I got used to it pretty fast.

Some things I wish I would’ve known before I started at Lawrence High.

How did lunch periods work? Where was the yearbook room? These were only a couple of the questions I didn’t know the answer to as I stepped in the doors for the first time as an LHS student.

A new experience was having mixed-grade classes. I had just come from middle school, where all the grades were divided into their own classes, their own lunch, and basically never interacted. It was really different having seniors in my classes. This posed a new social opportunity, because I made tons of friends who were in different grades than me. This wouldn’t have been so easy if classes were split up by grade.

I also loved the array of classes you could take. I filled my elective options with art classes, which was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Who knew I’d like making jewelry that much?

Another thing I’m glad I did was join the journalism staff. I’ve loved learning new things about and honing my writing skills over the past year.

My freshman year was interesting and engaging. I’ve made many new friends, and had so many experiences. I’m enthusiastic to see what my next three years at LHS will be like, and what things they will bring.