This article was originally published in Kaleidoscope‘s Spring 2025 print edition. It is being published as a separate online article now for easy access.
Sophomore year presented many ups and downs. The move into high school is a big change, requiring students to adapt to increased expectations and workload. For sophomores, the new experiences have included swimming class in gym class, sophomore seminars throughout the year and AP classes. Beginning next school year, the transition from junior high to high school will happen a year earlier due to the district’s restructuring.
The school year has challenged our abilities as students, forcing us to adopt improved time management skills, effective studying techniques and heightened academic standards. Adjusting to Ward Melville’s difficult academic environment while managing extracurricular activities and personal wellbeing was very challenging. Students had to figure out what study habits best suited their needs, whether individually or as a group. However, despite the academic intensity, it’s important to note that grades won’t “make or break” your high school experience. Staying focused on your goals and exploring your passions will help make you stand out. We spoke with fellow sophomores to reflect on their first year in high school.
Question: What was the most exciting and most scary event from this year?
Zaina Khan: The most exciting event that happened to me this year was watching the school talent show. It was amazing to see my classmates showcase their unique talents, including singing and dancing. The energy in the auditorium was electric, and it was inspiring to see everyone support each other. Even though I didn’t perform, being part of the audience was an exhilarating experience.
The scariest event for me this year was midterms week. This was the first year where midterms accounted for more than just one exam and rather a significant amount of your final grade. I had five midterms, and some were even scheduled on the same day. The pressure was intense, leading to late-night study sessions and constant stress. It was a challenging experience, but it taught me the importance of time management and self-care during high-pressure periods.
Q: What differences have stood out to you between junior high and high school? What would you change about the high school?
Maddie Vega: High school versus middle school is like going from a kiddie pool to the ocean, only the ocean is filled with homework and existential dread. The biggest difference is the illusion of freedom. Suddenly, you’re trusted to not set the building on fire, which is both liberating and terrifying. Academically, it’s a whole new level of intensity, with more complex subjects and higher expectations. Socially, the stakes are raised too. In short, high school is where you start figuring out who you are, or at least who you want people to think you are, while simultaneously trying not to drown in the sea of teenage angst. One thing I’d change? The soul-crushing monotony. School’s supposed to be this enlightening journey, but it’s mostly just memorizing stuff to regurgitate on a test. We need more creative outlets, more chances to explore the weird, dark corners of our minds.
Q: Did you accomplish the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year? Is there anything that unexpectedly happened and you are proud of?
Skylar Berger: I feel like I did. For my grades, I really wasn’t expecting to have to do as much as I did, but I made it work. I definitely had to learn that I needed to put more time into school than I expected. Something unexpected that I didn’t really think about in the beginning of the school year was winning states twice for cheer. I knew they won last year, and I really wanted to win again this year, so we had to work really hard to keep up with the standards we were held to. There were ups and downs, but we pushed through and the results reflected the time and effort we put into our routines.
