Introducting The Senior Savior, Talon Advice Columnist

Not to worry freshmen and sophomores! The Talon is here to answer your questions and calm your nerves about the transition into high school.

The first few years can be a tough adjusting period for new high schoolers. To help them out, the Talon answered a few of the most common lower division questions and concerns.

1. Many of us know the common myth (or fact depending on how you look at it) that all freshman have massive backpacks. Well this anonymous freshman asks, “How can I downsize my backpack?”

First off great question! There is nothing more annoying than lugging around a large load. My solution — stop at your locker! Ideally, you would go to your locker after every class, but this is sometimes unrealistic. However, you should aim to not carry more than two sets worth of materials at all times. If comfortable, hold one book in your arms and the other one in your backpack. Put those books away and grab two more at your next break. Voila! Smaller backpack.

2. Question number two comes from one nervous sophomore. “Is Junior year really as hard as everyone makes it sound?” He feels that his current work load is stressful and he is worried that next year will be too hard to handle.

Don’t stress! Junior year will probably be your hardest year, you will survive. A lot of students sign up for very hard classes for their third year of high school. My advice –take what you can handle. Push yourself, but don’t kill yourself.  That being said, don’t slack off. Junior year is really important because colleges focus on those grades more than any other year. Stay focused, stay calm, and enjoy the time that you have left in high school. Remember that you and your teachers have prepared for it, and believe that you are ready for the next step in your life.

3. Our third and final question comes from a shy freshman. She asks, “What if none of my friends have the same lunch period as me?”

This is typical of Wednesday blocks, when all of your friends have late lunch, and you have early. Wednesday blocks are the perfect days to make some new friends! Step outside of your comfort zone. Throughout your four years in high school I can almost guarantee that you will make at least one new friend each year. If all else fails you can go to the library and catch up on homework…

If you have a burning question about high school let our senior saviors answer it for you by emailing the Talon at cbtalon.com@gmail.com or tweet us @CB_Talon.