Lex’s Lenses

A letter to the freshmen,

High school isn’t like what you see on TV. We’re not as dramatic as everything is made to be on Riverdale, and we most definitely don’t break out into song and dance like the enthusiastic wildcats in High School Musical.

Yet, when you walk up to the main entrance on your very first day of high school, it’s all so intimidating. In middle school, or as what we unironically choose to refer to as “The Good Old Days”, there was nothing for you to really worry about. It wasn’t perfect, but it was way more laid back compared to the stresses that you feel now being a freshman.

Now, you’re in a whole new environment as you start up your car to begin the four year road trip of high school and start to understand who you are. Panic sets in, because you start to believe one of the worst scenarios imaginable- that you are alone.

However when you look out into the distance, you see another person whose car broke down. Another human being who is just as lost as you feel. A new relaxed emotion takes over your body as you begin to relax at the thought of you not being alone anymore.

A mindset you need to have about entering your first year of high school is how every single one of you is starting the same distance away from the starting line. You’re heading into one linear direction unable to go backwards. Sure, there are some unpredictable twists and turns on the route, and sometimes, as mentioned before, your car may break down from time to time. But this race isn’t a competitive one. It doesn’t matter who wins first vs who is the last one to cross the finish line. One thing High School Musical got right is that you really are all in this together.

Eventually, the people you thought were your ride and dies from the last race are going to take a different route to the finish line. Despite all of the emotions you may be feeling, this will be a great thing for you because you are going to meet so many new people in this race.

Some of those new people are adults who are going to coach you on how to finish the race to your best ability. They’ll be there for you when your car breaks down, when you have any questions about which direction to go in, or when you are at an utter loss and have no idea what to do next. Most importantly though, they’ll be there to celebrate with you when you win the race.

That’s the beauty of this four year journey you’re on,

You are not alone. There are so many spectators in the crowd you are cheering for you constantly.

Just when you believe that you have no one rooting for you, there’s always people in the race who are silently admiring you and your strength.

So next time you’re feeling like you are the only one on the road, pull over. Take some time to yourself instead of continuing till you crash. Check in with your fellow drivers, and make sure that they have enough fuel to continue their journey as well. Be there for one another and help each other out when someone’s car is malfunctioning.

In the end, you’ll all make it if you keep moving forward.