Common fears entering freshman year
By Maya Gray ’24
Becoming a freshman in high school is a big step for any student. To see what some common fears are amongst students, here are two perspectives: One of a freshman looking back on her fears and how she overcame them, and the other of a current eighth grade student who will be a freshman at SUA next fall.
Current freshman:
When asking Eva Paskiet, Saint Ursula Academy freshman, what her biggest fear of becoming a freshman was, she explained she was fearful of the upperclassman.
“I was a little scared because in eighth grade you’re at the top, but becoming a freshman means you go back to the bottom,” said Paskiet.
Paskiet explains she got to know the junior and senior classes to overcome her fear of upperclassmen. She made sure she never overstepped boundaries when it came to knowing the junior and senior classes and wants to be known as a nice freshman.
Paskiet enjoys her freedom since becoming a freshman, being able to have a free seminar to go to the TLC is her favorite thing about becoming a freshman.
Paskiet looks up to teacher Ms. Jardine, because she has been a family friend, and helped her through her transition at Saint Ursula Academy. Mrs. Hinshaw was also mentioned as an adult here at Saint Ursula Academy that Paskiet looks up to.
“Mrs. Hinshaw has helped me since I was in the JA and helps me now as a high schooler. She has always been a supporter of mine,” said Paskiet.
Saint Ursula Junior Academy and freshmen gather in the welcome lobby. Photo credit by Maya Gray
Current eighth grader:
Lila Rawlins, a current eighth grader at Saint Ursula Academy, worries about how much bigger the high school is than the JA
“The JA is big, but the high school is bigger. It will be a bigger environment in my own grade and the whole school in general,” said Rawlings.
Rawlings looks up to both her sisters, Grace and Natalie. She especially looks up to her sister Natalie who is a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati. Rawlings stated that her sister had teachers who loved her and she admires what she did here.
“My oldest sister Natalie is my biggest inspiration,” said Rawlings.
Rawlings believes that the JA does a good job at preparing students for high school. She also believes that being physically in the building, having friends in the JA who switch with you to high school and knowing the staff are important to her when becoming a high schooler.
Rawlings enjoys art classes at Saint Ursula Academy and took a high school art class this year and is super excited to be involved in more. Rawlings also enjoys science classes and looks forward to classes such as chemistry and physics.
“I just really like school and am excited to learn more,” said Rawlings
