At the start of the 2023-24 school year, nearly 300 freshmen joined our Banneker community, filling halls with enthusiastic energy and making the school more ninth and tenth graders than upperclassmen.
A few of these younger students spoke with the Train of Thought about common freshmen fears and anything that they have experienced so far at Banneker.
Ninth-grader Elizabeth Meater expressed, “As a Banneker student, I feel accomplished and good to be part of this community. However, I also have a fear that I may not meet the expectations.”
Several other freshmen conveyed their sense of accomplishment in being part of a prestigious school in DC. “I feel great and proud of coming here,” says Elias Bernal.
Although the experience and the community is fulfilling and enriching, the academics can be challenging. “I fear one of the English class because the work is very advanced,” says Anthony Diaz.
Other students also mentioned that they were worried about not being able to meet the rigorous academic standard. Valeria Preza Ramirez expressed, “I fear getting kicked out and not making it out, because the academic standards are high.”
Sophomore Kayla Edwards remembers feeling nervous because she didn’t know what classes would look like in high school and if she would be able to pass a class. As a sophomore, she says, “I’ve encountered challenges with not being able to understand the work or passing my AP exam for AP World History” since Banneker is focused on tests such as SAT and AP exams.
Starting at Banneker can be a challenge. Even one current junior has a dramatic memory of her freshmen year. “Entering high school was a terrifying experience for me,” said Alena Martin. “I was completely unfamiliar with the dynamics of people, classwork, and afterschool activities. I didn’t know anyone, and I felt completely lost and unprepared.” Martin also said that she struggled with balancing everything, especially with community service and on how to turn in work in a timely manner.
Seniors, on the other hand, may not have ever experienced the fear of starting high school because they took classes online during their ninth grade year. “I was so happy,” said Alexander Leistrand. “I could play games and vacation.”
However the freshmen transition happens, it is important for teachers and staff to support incoming students.
