Right off the bat, ninth graders face numerous firsts as they navigate the beginning of the school year. By mid-semester, as schedules settle and classwork ramps up, some must shift into new routines and ways of seeking help.
“I had to adjust to having a tutorial and X-period to ask teachers questions instead of being able to walk out of study hall whenever I wanted to ask them about material,” ninth grader August Kidder said.
Now, over a month in, physics labs, Harkness discussions, and study halls are less unfamiliar. For juniors and seniors, there’s rarely a need to adjust to familiar routines due to years of experience. So what would they have liked to know as ninth graders? A few shared some words of advice.
Junior Devi Nelson encourages ninth graders to join sports and student organizations to explore their interests and discover new passions. She credits Pickleball Club, which she decided to participate in ninth grade along with a few friends, for helping her find a community and connect with those in different grades. “Coming in as a [ninth grader] is intimidating, but… everyone was really nice and welcoming,” Nelson said.
Senior Elliot Cooper echoes this, especially as a former transfer student. “…it can be overwhelming to come into SPA, especially because a lot of people knew each other from middle school or even earlier, so trying four to five clubs and three sports really helped me meet a whole bunch of people who weren’t in my classes or advisory already,” he said.
Additionally, joining Sparks Swim & Dive in eighth grade helped Nelson find a consistent safety net.
“We’re all really close… if you have a bad race, then everyone’s there to support you, and if you have a good race, then everyone’s there to compliment you,” she said.
Recalling a disappointing moment in her athletic career, Nelson emphasizes the support she believes is “important to rely on.
“I got out of the water… after my race, saw my time, and I was really disappointed, and then I started crying when I got out of the water… everyone came up to me and hugged me,” she said.
Nelson suggests shedding all apprehension and jumping in with authenticity for those unsure where to start. “There’s not really anything to lose,” she said.
When ninth graders doubt their ability, junior Laura Kimmel encourages them to find security in their strengths and believe in their intelligence.
“I would want to tell my [ninth grade] self that just because I’m not as good at math or science as other people doesn’t mean I’m not smart and that I’m going to do bad in school,” Kimmel said.
Kimmel also urges ninth graders not to compare themselves to others, especially when dealing with personal adversity or self-doubt. “…tests aren’t the only measurements of intelligence and some people do so much better with essays or Harknesses… that’s just because everyone’s brain works differently and that’s fine,” she said.
Nelson agreed, stating, “…I think it’s important to remember that not everything is that big of a deal. Not every game, meet, or test is going to decide your future. Also, if you work hard when you don’t have to perform, then you won’t be [as] stressed during the test or game.”
As the first grading period closes and ninth graders look ahead to finals, a few who have been in their position are here to assure them that it will all turn out fine.
