When the latest batch of freshmen enter the front doors of Buffalo High School, each one of them comes in with their own viewpoint of what their time in high school is going to be like. The stress of juggling classwork, homework, tests, projects, and other class-related activities, as well as social activities like friends and being in a relationship, dealing with family, and after school activities like sports or clubs can drive any student completely crazy. Yet, somehow, these freshmen make their way up through the ranks, eventually leaving as a (usually) respected senior.
Across the four years these students attend class at BHS, their viewpoints change as they grow intellectually, physically, and socially. We’re going to take a trip across time, starting at the beginning: Freshmen.
Walking through the double doors into BHS for the first time is an experience we can all remember. According to Autumn Jeska, though, this wasn’t the most exciting part. “My first year here has been peachy. There’s lots of stress because of school stuff and drama, but it’s been fun. The classes were easier than I thought they would be. I also think it’s fair that the seniors get to leave school early for their senior privileges, as well as coming to school late on the days that we test. I mean, what’s the point of coming to school when there’s no class?” Not all freshmen agree with letting the seniors leave early. Kirsten Dolman, another freshmen, thinks the exact opposite. “It’s not fair! I want to come to school late and leave early. Just because they’re older doesn’t mean they’re better!”
Fast Forward 1 year. A year to mature, to learn, and to have fun. Sophomores, having survived the gauntlet of freshmen year, were more than willing to voice their opinion on being a sophomore. One such student, Charlie Ball, didn’t even notice the difference. “Not much has changed between freshmen and sophomore year. The classes aren’t really any harder, the work almost seems easier, and the stressful atmosphere is still there.” The underclassmen are an opinionated bunch, but what of the upperclassmen?
Take another leap into the future. In a year’s time, those sophomores have grown into budding juniors, just a step away from the top of the food chain. Consulars starting pushing these students into looking over their plans after high school. Kat Lacroix, one of the many busy juniors, has taken a new perspective on school. “It took me 3 years to realize that I just don’t care anymore. All the drama just isn’t worth caring about anymore. I have my small group of friends, and they’re all I need.” For others, like Kyle Syverson, it’s not so easy. “It took me 2 years to find kind of people, and I had to start the group for it to exist. Now that I have my friends, I hope it’s smooth sailing from here on out.”
And finally, we’ve come to the last stop on out trip through the life of a High school student. Seniors have spent all 4 years in high school perfecting their craft, whether it be scholastic based or something entirely different. Most, if not all, of the seniors know what they’re doing after high school by now, seeing as there’s less than a quarter of high school left for them.
Homecoming King Michael Patchen had quite a bit to say on his experience in high school. “When I came here, I thought high school was going to be like it is in the movies. Jocks pick on nerds, goth kids are exiled, and preppy cheerleaders are the best looking, most popular girls in school. I’ve realized now that this isn’t the case. Well, the jocks are cocky, but that comes with the title, but the cheerleaders aren’t preppy, and the “goths” (if you can even call them that) we have here at BHS are some of the most outgoing people I know. For instance, last year I knew Alex Johnson, a prime example. I remember being pissed as shit as a freshmen when I heard of senior privileges, but now that I’m here, I like it. Being able to leave early is awesome.”
High school is a huge part of life. Experiencing it all is almost impossible, and for some, just handling the basics is difficult, but we all end up prepared for life once we leave. That’s what BHS is all about.
