For many students, the transition from freshman to sophomore year involves more than just tougher classes. It often means stepping out of a small, familiar environment and into the fast-paced world of a much larger school. With longer hallways, crowded lunchrooms, and a sea of unfamiliar faces, sophomores who have made the switch describe the experience as overwhelming, exciting, and confusing all at once.
After interviewing several students, a common theme emerged: the biggest difference between Harrold and the high school is its size. Sydney Gebadlo shared that her biggest challenge was simply navigating the vast campus and figuring out where everything was. Similarly, Rony Perez pointed to the size difference as the main adjustment but added that it’s nice that classes are shorter and less time than what they were at Harrold.
Junior, Elena Falo offered some heartfelt words: “As juniors, we know all too well how difficult and intimidating the transition from ‘Harrold to high school’ can be. Everyone seems to be on a mission, completely aware of their surroundings, and rushing to get through their day. I remember feeling so small amongst all the chaos, wishing that I could just skip all this confusion and get to the easy part where everything made sense. Looking back on it now, it all seems silly, because truthfully, as a sophomore, I still have no clue where I’m going. I think the reason I felt so small was because I forgot to look around at everyone around me. I know now that in that moment, if I had, I would see the same look on all of their faces.”
Falo continued with some encouraging advice: “High school can seem so overwhelming with the new schedules and busy halls, but the best advice I could give you is to find comfort in the fact that we’re all going through it together. You are never alone, and the emotions you’re all feeling have been thought a thousand times over. This time can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Ask for help! When you see us in the halls, say hi!” She encourages upperclassmen to be the person someone can confide in as well.
For sophomores stepping into this next chapter, know that no one is alone in feeling lost, nervous, or even out of place. It’s all part of the process. Everyone, even the most confident-looking juniors and even the seniors, once felt exactly the same way. So take a breath, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to lean on others.
Growth doesn’t happen all at once. Growth happens the moment we finally remember which staircase leads to third-period class, or when a familiar face smiles in the hallway. It’s choosing to sit with someone new at lunch, joining a club, or volunteering in class. These little steps add up, slowly building the confidence and independence that high school is all about.
As the year goes on, the hallways won’t feel so long, the crowds won’t seem so big, and the unfamiliar will start to feel like home. This is just the beginning, and there’s so much ahead to look forward to. Some days will feel easy and full of laughter, while others might leave us feeling overwhelmed or unsure. That’s okay. What defines the high school journey won’t be the missteps or moments of confusion, but how we grow through them.
So, as we settle into this new chapter, know that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Stay curious. Stay open. And most importantly, be kind to others. Because the friendships, memories, and lessons stick with us long after graduation often start in the most unexpected moments.
This is your time. Not just to survive high school, but to shape it into something meaningful. And with each step, we are doing just that.
