Hello all! I hope everyone had a swell summer and is ready to get back to school. This school year is full of a lot of fun times and stress for everyone. As you progress through Whitney Young, there will be a lot of new things you haven’t faced yet. If you see these as challenges, just know that you’re not alone. To say the least, I’ve been in your shoes before and I know what you’re going through. Here are some tips and advice to help get you through the year.

SENIORS (’18): You finally made it; you run the school! But don’t let up too soon, this is going to be a tough first semester. Start your college applications as soon as possible! The sooner you start, the easier it’ll be for you as the year goes on. Stay on top of your deadlines and make sure you’re applying to schools that YOU want to go to. Visit the writing center and see Ms. Pasulka if you need any help or have any questions.

Also, this is the time to be yourself and do what you want to do. Don’t be afraid of anyone judging you, that doesn’t really matter at this point because you have a year left. Finally, senioritis is within reach, save your excused absences and sick days for later. Good luck with everything and stay T’d, ’18!

JUNIORS (’19): This is a very big year for you. Colleges are going to be looking at your accomplishments this year very closely. Be sure to keep up the good grades! If you have any issues, talk to the teacher or your counselor to help resolve them. Study, study, study. ACT and SAT scores may not be of the most value to you, but you should still give them a shot. Getting the score you want can really help you out.

Be sure to have fun though. Junior year is going to be a great year; this is your opportunity to do whatever you want. For some of these things though, be sure to  keep it off social media and away from Kenner (you know what I’m talking about). You’re an upperclassman now so you own the school (kinda, not really . . . ’18). Also, be sure to explore your interests, this’ll help you with colleges and keep your year packed with fun adventures.

SOPHOMORES (’20): Congratulations on making it through your first (or third) year of high school. In terms of education, this is the year to start correcting your study habits. Freshman year was an introduction, sophomore year is where you begin to learn about yourself as a student. Make sure to strive for good grades (and greatness), this will help you in the following years by keeping your GPA high and building good habits. Check out the writing center and math center for tutoring or to print things, these are FREE resources.

So this doesn’t mean you have to be all about school though, hang out with your friends. Save all the stress and hard times for the next two years (trust me, you’ll thank me later). As Dixon O. ‘18 says,“Enjoy being young, there is no need to act like an adult now.” . Join a new club, talk to some different people, or even sit in a different house every once and awhile. This is the year where you begin to establish yourself as a person within Whitney Young.

FRESHMAN (’21): Welcome to Whitney Young! You may hear this a lot from teachers or any alumni, but this is true. You’re welcome here and this is a great place to facilitate the growth of any passion you have. Join any clubs that you find interesting, even if you don’t really know what they’re about. This will help you learn about your interests. And if you realize this isn’t the right fit, you can move on and find something else that fits better.

Also, try out for any team that you’ve been considering. For most teams here at WY, you don’t need to have had any experience playing the sport, especially at the freshman level (unless it’s basketball). You’ll learn about yourself physically and reveal any interests in them. Don’t shy away from any academic teams either, they have an insane reputation. Finally, talk to some people. Don’t be afraid! You’re surrounded by other freshman who are in the same position as you. You have four years ahead of you;might as well get started on knowing your fellow classmates.

ACADEMIC CENTER (’22 & ’23): Don’t let Tsichlis scare you, he’s not as menacing as you may think. As a former ackie, I can tell you this from experience. Don’t worry too much. You have a guaranteed spot for high school (unless you mess up real bad, then I don’t know what to say). That doesn’t mean to not do anything in class though. Still go for good grades! It may not affect you now but it can drag your GPA down in the future when it’s most important.

Stop running through the halls. This is a serious statement, you will not be late to class. There is no need to show up before the passing period even begins, take your time. DON’T WEAR BLACK ON CLASS COLOR DAY. No joke, you don’t want to do that. Avoid hogging the ping pong tables; we know you’re good, just give everyone else a shot. Finally, if you’re in English, just pick an eye.

CONCLUSION: I hope this helps you with getting through the year. Definitely check out any events the schools hosts; they’re worth it. This may be a long year for you, but just know that there are 450 other students in the same position as you. Be sure to also check out DUB TV. Good luck and have fun!

Chris Nguyen (’18)