Still having trouble breaking the ice here at Worcester Tech? As Worcester Technical High School freshman, we noticed that students often have a hard time adjusting to high school. Some of the common struggles include managing the A-week and Z- week schedule changes, joining school activities and making new friends. We went ahead and emailed teachers, students, and school activities advisers to get some advice on how students should manage these struggles.
Some students do not want to join a school club because they think it’s not for them or they do not see themselves doing the activities that the club is doing. “At the high school level, students should be developing their interests and trying new things in all areas of their lives,” said Mr. Gemme, an English teacher at Worcester Tech and adviser of the Drama Club. This is true, because students might not know their talents and strengths.
“It is very important for students to engage in school activities because it is an easy way for students to make friends with those who have similar interests,” said Jessica Baronas, an Early Childhood senior at Tech.
This is also true because in school clubs students become good friends with the other students and “it becomes like a second family,” said students in the drama club. The upperclassmen give advice to the freshman. According to Senior in Hotel Management, Mia Bisceglia, students should “not be afraid to join things.” Adds Junior Culinary student Erin Hartigan, “ If you need any help, ask an upperclassman whenever possible.”
Many new students transitioning from middle school to high school have a difficult time making friends, mostly due to the lack of self confidence. Getting over shyness takes “confidence and working on self-worth.’’ says Ms.Liz Ward, the WTHS AVID teacher.
Students have a difficult time understanding the fact that shyness is more than just being nervous. It is a lack of confidence that a person has in themselves. Once students understand this, then they can achieve their goals of being self confident. Ms. Ward suggests students “think of the positive instead of the negative.’’ By continuing to be positive, students may end up finding their confidence and liking it.
Another way students can build up self confidence is by getting help from the guidance counselors at school.”Some ideas students could try, is to find a trusted person (like a friend, parent, adult, teacher, counselor, sibling) and let them know they would like to try new things but they are nervous,” says Guidance Counselor Ms. Erin Macaruso. “Signing up for a club, raising your hand in class, saying hello in the hall while passing someone, talking with a teacher after class, or asking someone for help, are some small steps students can take to help build their confidence in themselves.” Joining school activities is a great way to boost self confidence. Doing this will not only build students self confidence but also it will allow them to make new friends and achieve the things students always wanted to do.
Another struggle students have when going to Worcester Tech is the two week switches: Academic Week and Shop Week. During both weeks, students need to handle and keep track of the work they get. A planner is recommended by AVID teacher Ms. Ward, who says, “Having your agenda with you for both weeks allows your to write your assignments down, and stay organized while adjusting in both weeks.¨
Mr. Coughlin, a WTHS math teacher, advises students who are having trouble with their classes: “You should let your teacher know in class. Also, email them if you get stuck while doing the homework. That way they know what you’re struggling with and you also have it written down so that you remember exactly where you got stuck.” The same thing should happen if any student ever comes back from any vacation or is out sick.
For new freshmen coming into Worcester Tech, there are many ways to get into clubs, make new friends, and adjust to the A-Z week schedule changes. The students and teachers at WTHS encourage students to ask the upperclassmen, teachers, guidance counselors, and administration if any help is needed.