By Aidan Bahrain, Staff Writer
As the academic year comes to a close, students from different grades reflect on their experiences, growth, and memorable moments that have shaped their journeys. From the freshman stepping into a new world to the juniors preparing for the final stretch, each stage has brought its own set of challenges, achievements, and lessons.
Entering high school is a significant milestone for River Hill freshmen. The transition from middle school to high school is marked by new faces and a major change in academics. Freshman Kian Solimani says his year went great, “In the beginning, I was a little nervous but it got a lot easier as time went on, I also really liked my classes.” However, Solimani does say he is very excited to be a sophomore. The freshman year is often about finding a new routine and adapting to high school life. For many students, this involves exploring various extracurricular activities and discovering new interests. Jincheng, a freshman says “I liked this year but it was pretty boring, I did some clubs this year and they were fun.”
Academically, freshmen face a new level of hardship. Balancing homework, projects, and studying for exams requires developing effective time management skills. Even with the initial challenges, River Hill’s freshman year is a foundational experience because of the opportunity for personal growth and a sense of community.
Sophomore year at River Hill is a time for growth. With the initial high school nerves behind them, many sophomores focus on deepening their involvement in school activities.
Sophomore Prathik Atluri reflects on this past year as a time of finding balance, “I felt more confident this year. I knew my way around finally, I made some new friends and was way more comfortable with the academic workload. I also joined the debate and tennis team. I’m not too excited to be a junior [though], there’s gonna be so much work.” The sophomore year often involves a deeper engagement in coursework. Students begin to take more challenging classes and start thinking about their future academic and career paths. Sophomore Aaron Zhong shares, “I decided to take AP Physics and Statistics this year. It was a lot of work, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned so much and it really helped me develop critical thinking skills.” Sophomore year at River Hill is about building on the foundation set in freshman year, exploring new interests, and starting to think more seriously about the future.
Junior year is often considered the most challenging and critical year in high school. At River Hill, juniors face increased academic pressures, standardized tests, and the beginning of the college application process. However, it is also a year of significant personal and academic growth. Junior Tim Meyer says, “I had a great time this year and I can’t wait to be a senior next year, I kind of feel old though, it’s really my last year next year”. Like many other juniors, Tim is excited but also said that he is starting to feel older.
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at River Hill High School each navigate distinct phases of their high school journey, characterized by unique experiences, challenges, and growth. From the initial adjustment to a new environment to the honing of skills and preparation for the future, students show resilience and ambition. Their reflections highlight the importance of community, support, and self-discovery. As the school year concludes, it’s clear that while each student’s path is unique, their shared experiences at River Hill High School create an environment where they not only learn but also thrive, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.