On the first day of my freshman year, Fenwick was nothing short of terrifying. It felt a little like going to a family reunion only to realize I was related to no one. Amazingly, walking into the same building this year felt a lot like coming home. As I reunited with friends and walked the halls, all of the memories I had made the year before flooded my mind.
Today, there are new, slightly apprehensive faces filling the halls and crowding the Lawless balcony. I can hardly believe that just one year ago, I was in their shoes.
So, for the Class of 2023, I have a few pieces of advice. Here is what I wish I had known when I was a freshman:
Your teachers do not want you to fail. I know that when I started my freshman classes, I was overwhelmed. Your classes will be challenging, but be assured that all of the teachers at Fenwick truly care about each and every one of us. They want us to succeed and they will do anything they can to help us. Ask for help and know that things will get easier. Get involved in anything and everything you are even remotely interested in. Spontaneous decisions to attend informational meetings led me to find some of my absolute favorite activities, clubs, and teams last year! You never know when you will find something you love to do, so try everything and keep an open mind.
Now, I speak to the freshmen who, like me, came into Fenwick knowing absolutely no one. Please know that you will not be alone forever, even if it feels that way now. You will find your people. I cannot really explain the reasons how or why friends meet, but what I can say is that I have met some of the best people I know at Fenwick. Banishment to the Lawless Gym and Auditorium balconies is not really a form of cruel and unusual punishment. Believe it or not, this is where you will really get to know your classmates. This is where you will find people to laugh with, study with and commiserate with. It is in these places where a group of strangers from various middle schools will become the Class of 2023.
This is the essence of what I wish I had known about becoming a Fenwick Friar. When you enter the front doors on the first day of your Freshman year, you become a part of the Fenwick family.
Take the time to look around. Take the time to get involved. Take the time to make memories that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Enjoy every moment you spend at Fenwick. Most of all, welcome to the Friar family!