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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Thanks for offering up your insights, OP. What practical advice would you offer to incoming freshmen? [/quote]

No problem! :D

I would tell incoming freshmen three main things:

1) to not hesitate to build relationships with those in their IBET, or any classes really. Even if you're more introverted, I promise there's at least one other person in your IBET rotation that's also an introvert like you. There are many driven and genuinely kind people that you'll be peers with and many friendships at TJ are strong and deep. The year and TJ grows exponentially more fun when you can panic study during lunch with a group of friends, trust me :)

2) Don't be afraid to ask for help, even early on. Another thing that certainly struck me was the willingness of teachers and upperclassmen to help you succeed, if you only say that you might need help. If you do an extracurricular that helps you build friendships with upperclassmen, such as a sport or band, then they are also there for you. Freshman year is definitely not always easy and not everyone is always getting amazing grades as it might seem. There are incredible Peer Tutoring resources and 8th period time that you can spend building relationships with your teachers and clearing any confusion about a lesson or concept. Not everyone at TJ is naturally super smart. What arguably is more important to succeeding is hard work and dedication. Don't give up too soon! I got a 67 on my first stats test and thought I wasn't cut out for TJ, but there are years worth of study guides on Facebook and a lot of people that have taken the course and were willing to help me study and answer any questions I had. Teachers might also seem intimidating in class, but a lot of them are super approachable at lunch or 8th period or through email and can become some of your greatest mentors.

3) Do extracurriculars!! TJ has so many amazing clubs and opportunities to explore your interests. I know that when I was a rising freshman I was really nervous to step outside my comfort zone and attend 8th period clubs but I ended up meeting amazing people at some and working my way up to leadership positions. Most upperclassmen WANT freshmen to show interest in their clubs and attend meetings. Freshman year is certainly a time to figure out what you're interested in and what you might want to do at TJ.[/quote]

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