As the 2025–2026 school year begins, a new wave of freshmen fills the halls of Platteview High School. The first few weeks are spent learning the ropes and asking questions like, “Where’s this class?” or “Who’s this teacher?” Luckily, the juniors, and seniors of PHS are often there to help. Having already experienced the transition into high school, many veteran Trojans have advice to share that can make the first year smoother and more successful.
Battling Procrastination
One of the most common challenges students face in high school is procrastination. It’s tempting to put off assignments until the last minute, but doing so can make school more stressful.
Michael Quinn (12) admitted that procrastination “is one of the hardest parts about high school. It is very easy to put homework off and wait until the last minute. I would recommend using all the work time your teachers give you.”
Making use of class time helps reduce stress and frees up more time outside of school for other activities.
Learning Time Management
Freshman year can also be overwhelming because of the need to balance classes, homework, and activities.
Bethany Anderson (11) explained, “Freshman year is the time for learning how to manage your time. The most difficult part of freshman year, for me, was keeping myself organized.”
Good time management doesn’t always come easily, but it makes a big difference once learned. Tools like daily planners, checklists, or digital reminders can help students stay on top of their responsibilities. Without organization, it’s easy to fall behind and feel overwhelmed, but with it, everything becomes more manageable.
Getting Involved
High school isn’t just about academics. it’s also about experiences. For many students, joining activities and athletics makes their time at Platteview more exciting and rewarding.
Marlee Ferguson (12) encourages freshmen to try new things: “Every person is different, so it is important to experiment and find out what you like best.”
Platteview offers a wide variety of opportunities, from athletics like cross country and football to organizations such as National Honor Society or theatre productions. Whether on the field, on the stage, or in a club, involvement helps students build friendships, discover passions, and make high school more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Starting high school can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying organized, managing time wisely, and getting involved, freshmen can overcome procrastination and make the most of their first year. With the right mindset and habits, the class of 2029 won’t just survive freshman year, they’ll thrive.
