Transitioning from the first to the second semester of high school at Panther Creek can be a tough journey. From the pressures of new schedules to navigating unfamiliar hallways, it’s a lot to manage.
Cassidy, a freshman at PCHS, shared her experience of being late to class due to having to rush between buildings. “I have to go in from the third floor to the Mods, and so that led to me getting lost a lot and being late to class,” she explained. A completely new physical layout can be difficult for many to navigate and adjust to, especially when going from one building to another. The feeling of being lost, both in the hallways and in terms of an unfamiliar school environment, can be quite overwhelming.
Along with the physical challenges, many students are also faced with the social and emotional pressure of starting over with new friendships. One student stated that, “A lot of my friends aren’t in my classes anymore, so I had to start over again with my friendships and everything.” This can be one of the hardest parts of transitioning into the second semester, as students often find themselves separated from familiar faces and those whom they have built relationships with in class.
Regardless of the physical and social challenges students face, there is a bright side to this common dilemma. For Emma Stocky, a 9th grader, she stated that “It was difficult at first, trying to navigate my classes”, but that she now is “settled in.” So it is through trial and error students are able to adapt and get back into the groove of things. We can become flexible with each semester and progressively make every single year’s transition smoother.
Change can be intimidating, but it is something we all learn in highschool. The first to the second semester schedule shift at Panther Creek is certainly a prime example of this. Newer students can especially face challenges, like learning the layout of the school, managing new friendships, and dealing with academic pressures. However, students can eventually become more comfortable with their schedule change and new surroundings through practice and resilience.
