I was on stage crew for the musical my freshman year. It was the most awkward and humbling experience. I knew nothing, asked ten million questions, and when I could help I usually just made things worse. The seniors seemed to know everything. They just floated from one task to another with no resistance. I wanted to be as perfect as they were.
Now I’m a senior. I’m not on stage crew, but I sure know my way around the auditorium, Student Congress, and most other things. Freshman year seems so long ago and like yesterday. I’m capable of so much more, and the future feels a little less scary.
That’s what was supposed to happen. The change was supposed to take time. I’m never going to be perfect at everything, much less things that are new to me, and I wasn’t then. If I were to tell the version of me that was on stage crew one thing, it would be not to expect yourself to change and adapt at lightening speed; you have to be patient with yourself. I still tend to expect myself to never struggle with change. Last year, I knew the change from sophomore to junior year would be hard, but I still expected to instantly adapt. I didn’t. It took tears and a lot of studying.
So, don’t expect yourself to immediately adapt to being back to school. It takes time and conscious effort. Waking up early will feel awful, assignments will be hard, and balancing everything will suck. But you will adapt. Once October hits it will feel like you never left.
If you know a freshman, remind them that no one expects them to know or be good at everything. They won’t listen, but at least they’ll have heard it. Even if you’re not doing anything new this fall, still remember to give yourself time. I’ve been going to the same school for three years, but I still expect myself to walk into the wrong classroom at least once this year.
Until Next Time,
Ella Greene
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ella Greene is a young writer from Buffalo, New York who writes Teenage Tuesday and has had poetry featured in numerous journals including Maudlin House and BlazeVox. Ella is a senior in high school and is involved in numerous clubs including Broadcast club, STUCO, Rising Electorette, Yearbook, Drama Club, and WISP.
