#incomingfreshmanadvice

Let’s be real — not even freshmen want to be freshmen. An open letter to help those struggling with the high school transition.

Dear Class of 2019,

Please consider the following few tips regarding freshman year, as this article will expose the unwritten rules of rookies at Christian Brothers High School.

As you start to accumulate a collection of CB t-shirts, make sure to never spend more than 5 minutes picking out an outfit — you have better things to do and you’ll probably end up wearing the same pants you wore three days ago.

“Try to color coordinate” says Katie Harrington ’17.

Also, save the spirit shirt for spirit days only.

“The point is not to know who’s a freshman,” jokes Audrey Nelson ’16.

Don’t spend any energy trying to impress other people or worrying about how you look.

“I would tell my freshman self, ‘Don’t worry girl, everybody wants hair like that!’” exclaims Ms. Tracy Chadbourne as she fluffs her curly locks and remembers being insecure. High school is no musical, but here at CB we are truly all in this together and no one cares how you look.

Instead of caring about your appearance, focus on caring about your grades.Whether or not freshman grades really “count” is a frequent question asked among past and present freshmen.

Our very own college counselor Ms. Melissa McClellan answers that freshman grades are indeed important.

“Freshman grades matter for every private school and most out of state public schools,” she says.

She goes on to explain that UCs and CSUs do not “count” freshman grades toward your overall GPA, but they do look at the classes you are taking.

“If you get a D in any of your core classes [ex. Algebra 2] freshman year you have to go to summer school or retake the course in order to stay eligible for those four year colleges,” she states.

Start off your high school careers trying your best and maintaining a high GPA to keep your college options open — your senior-self will thank you later!

While CB students pride themselves on being academically, artistically, and athletically superior to other high schools, we also show our strong community through our spirited student section.

Come to the games!! Falcon Force encourages all freshman to chant loud and proud..IT IS COOL TO CHEER! At the sporting events,

“Seniors have priority [to stand in front]”, says rally chair Tommy Payne ’16, “but it is most important that everyone comes out and cheers on our teams”.

It is up to you to carry on the traditions of being a spirited school!

Finally, there is a basic hallway etiquette we must maintain at CB.

“Don’t scream, run, or hug in the hallways, you’ll see your friends in 40 minutes”, laughs Audrey.

“Maybe walk a little quicker” adds Braeden Bourke ’16.

“Don’t take up so much space with your backpack.. Use your locker!” states Katie.

With a little consideration for those suggestions and being dedicated to walking on the right side of the hallway, you have the potential to be one of the best classes CB has ever seen.

“A good class is made when they get along, they genuinely like each other, and have respect for the faculty and one another,” says Ms. Chadbourne.

Make new friends, sit with different people at lunch, practice inclusivity, and spread kindness on and off campus. As you may have heard, high school goes by fast. While that may be hard to believe, it is important to make the most of your time at CB.

Do not take our beautifully clean campus, caring teachers, fun sporting events, fantastic plays, or amazing students for granted. Start being involved in everything the Christian Brothers community has to offer.

Have a fresh year Class of ’19!

PS: if you could get dropped off/ picked up anywhere BESIDES the student parking lot that’d be great!