Freshman year is something most people look back on as bittersweet: first day of high school nerves, being surrounded by older kids, and making new friends that can last all four years. It’s no secret that these things can be stressful, which is why upperclassmen are there to share their tips on how to make the most out of freshman year.

While learning to navigate a new school, it can be easy for freshmen to forget the importance of their academic performance over the next four years. “Every year counts in terms of your GPA, and you don’t want to start off on a bad note,” said Maggie James, a Lake Travis junior. She added not to be fooled by the myth that junior year is the only year that ‘matters’ in terms of class rank and college applications: “That shouldn’t be your mindset coming into high school if you want to succeed academically.”

Many juniors also have advice on social life in the first year of high school. “Just be yourself. I know that sounds really cliche, but someone is always going to judge you and not like you at times, so you might as well just be yourself,” said junior Kate Petersen. Although many freshmen begin the year with friends from middle school, this can help those that may not have found their social group just yet.

Most importantly, freshmen find a work-life balance to help them succeed this year. “Don’t procrastinate…keep [your] school work a priority,” said Marely Canales, a junior. “But have fun, because freshman year is one of the easiest years,” she continued. Canales has been part of the Lake Travis color guard since freshman year, so she understands the value of balancing school with a social life. 

The upperclassmen of Lake Travis were in the same place as the current freshman class only a few years ago, making their tips some of the most valuable to the class of 2028. From navigating a school of nearly 4,000 students to finding a friend group among them, juniors and seniors can empathize with – and help ease the stress of – the challenges associated with freshman year.