Entering freshman year is a struggle for most students coming out of middle school. The new environment, and the pressure that comes along with all the high school responsibilities, are usually a mental stressor for most students entering ninth grade.

Something that also comes along with the stress of the new school year are the classes. Many have a hard time picking their classes because of all the different options they have to choose from, if their friends will be in their classes, and what teachers they will have, but the most important aspect of picking those classes is choosing ones based on your interests!

High school is used as a way to prepare students to branch out and find the things they enjoy. that they may possibly pursue as a career, and freshman year is a perfect time to start. Getting out of your comfort zone and choosing a class you wouldn’t normally pick is a great way to potentially spark a new interest. As well as picking a class you do already have an interest in can allow you to continue doing that certain thing you enjoy. At LHS, we have a wide variety of classes to pick from; there’s something for everybody! Some of the classes LHS holds are Forensic Science, Advanced Studio Art, Journalism,Woods, Culinary, Metals, and our amazing music program including different choirs and bands.  These are just a few of the many amazing courses you can take at Ledyard High School, there are so many more to even choose from!  

 What if you end up not liking the classes that you chose? This has a very simple solution. The guidance counselors at Ledyard High School are very flexible with schedules for the new students entering their high school, so switching into something different wouldn’t be a problem. These counselors include Mr. Doyle (letters I,O,K, L), Mrs. Toppa (letters D,E,F,G,H, J), Mrs. Duczynski (letters Q, S-Z), Mrs. Kane (letters A,B,C) and Mrs.San Souci (letters N and R).

Another great thing about exploring your interests freshman year is all the new people you will meet. For example if you are put into an art class that none of your friends are in, you have a wide variety of students within that class that have the same interests as you. This is a perfect way to bond with your peers and learn new things from others while possibly teaching others new things. Ledyard High School students are a very welcoming, so making some new friends along the way wont be a difficult task to achieve.

Picking new classes easing your way into high school instead of jumping right in, is the right way to go. You have all four years of high school to explore different types of classes and activities and starting early is great, that way you’re able to explore them all! Ledyard is a very welcoming school, the people you meet will feel like family by the time it’s ready for you to graduate! You will have so many amazing memories to talk about when the diploma hits your hand!

Phalia Trahan, Staff Writer

Junior Phalia Trahan is a staff writer for the 2022-2023 Colonel Newsmagazine. She likes painting, listening to music and spending time with her friends.