A Relevant Guide for a Freshman in High School

In this post, I talk about my own experience as a Freshman at Nicolet High School, how I found my niche, and what I aspire to do in the future.

Essential Tips

(these are what I did)

• join at least 2 clubs to see what you like

• pick electives you like or are interested in

• stay on top of your homework and projects!

• use your time wisely

• get involved!!

Required Classes

The required classes I took were English, Global History, Biology, Algebra, and Physical/Health. In English, I did lots of writing and reading and learned how to be a part of Socratic seminars. English was not easy nor was it a hard class for me, but I still enjoyed it. Global History was a class that I enjoyed and did lots of group projects in. I learned a lot about global events and compared them to current events which made it easier to understand. Biology was where I learned a lot about DNA, cells, and genetic modifications. I really enjoyed Biology and am looking forward to taking AP Biology in my junior year. Algebra was a class that I enjoyed and did lots of digital notetaking which helped a lot! For Physical/Health class I did a semester of being in the gym and using physical teamwork, during the second semester, I learned how to take care of my body more by using different mechanisms. I really enjoyed all my required classes but mostly liked Biology. Most of the time in these classes, I used my chromebook A LOT for my homework and projects so make sure to bring a charged chromebook or bring a charger!!!

Electives

The electives I took were Robotics & Engineering, LEAD, and Mixed Choir.

In Robotics & Engineering, I learned how to make my own robot, 3D print, build my own flashlight, and use teamwork to build a robot. I enjoyed this class but it was not for me since I am more of a programmer, but definitely recommend it to someone who likes building and aspires to be a mechanical/ electrical engineer! LEAD was the class that I loved the most! I learned about college and career planning which you will hear me talk more about in other posts, but I really liked the curriculum I took and all the helpful resources I used. Mixed Choir was where I used my talent and gift of singing. I love and enjoy singing a lot so doing performances and getting to meet the closest people who I have gotten to know from that class has been such an honor.

Extracurriculars

At the start of my freshman year was when I did A LOT and had to narrow it down to what I was really passionate about doing.

I started off by doing Student Council and did lots of planning and organizing events with a team or by myself which I liked to do and enjoyed until I transferred to Minnesota.

I was also a part of an after - school choir but then moved to day choir so I did not attend anymore due to my already busy schedule.

For the most part, I did Student Council the most out of a lot of the other clubs I was in. I also had Choir concerts and ensembles that I attended that took up most of my time as well.

My Aspirations

I am currently a Sophomore and have been taking a lot of business and technology classes for the past 2 years. Before I started my freshman year I did an online coding program and enjoyed it before I took another one at Macalester College. At the start of my freshman year, I wanted to become a computer programmer, but that following summer I attended a tech program at Macalester College (2022) and did a coding course. I saw that I did not enjoy it as much as I would have. Ever since I started taking Biology and an elective called Principles of BioTech (for 1/2 a year) it has made me interested in Medical Tech. As well as taking Entrepreneurship (1/2 a year) and Personal Finance (1 month as of now) has made me interested in Business Tech.

An Encouragement for You

You probably read a section of this post or maybe all of it, either way, I appreciate you. I know that being a freshman especially, in High School is not easy, you may be in classes with students who already have knowledge on the topic and you don't, which is okay. Life is about learning and growing from one another. As you embark on this journey of High School please remember that it is okay to take breaks and stand up for what you believe in even if no one is on your side. I hope you enjoy your freshman year because it goes by fast!