Transitioning into high school can feel like a step into another world—one that is unfamiliar, overwhelming and challenging. From tougher classes to social pressures, freshmen often find themselves unsure of the path that lies ahead. To highlight this journey, several upperclassmen shared what they hoped they had known when they first walked through the doors of Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

Academics & Balance

When it comes to academics, almost all upperclassmen agree that the high school’s workload is intimidating at first. However, they emphasized that time management and consistency matter far more than perfection on every assignment.

Freshmen who learn to prioritize tasks early on set themselves up for smoother future years. Finding a study habit that is suited to the student is key to their success—whether that is using a planner, setting small daily goals or using a particular study method. Upperclassmen also noted that feelings of overwhelm are normal; what matters most is learning to take breaks, staying organized and learning to work efficiently.

Arshiya Aggarwal, a sophomore, shared how she learned to manage her time and workload.

“I learned to plan backward, looking at deadlines first, then breaking big tasks into smaller pieces I could actually finish. Once I did that, school felt a lot less chaotic,” she explained. “To freshmen feeling buried by grades or college pressure, remember that one bad quiz or grade doesn’t define you. Focus on progress, not perfection. Learn how you work best, give yourself breaks, and trust that balance gets easier with practice,” she added.

Opportunities & Involvement

One of the biggest regrets upperclassmen expressed was not getting involved sooner. Clubs, sports, and school events are not only ways to discover one’s passions, but also socialize with people with shared interests.

Taking the first step—whether that is joining a club, simply attending a meeting or even starting a new one—can lead students to uncovering passions that shape personal and academic growth. It is important to remember that high school offers far more classes than grades; it is a valuable chance to explore, create, and make a lasting impact.

Sophomore, Parvathy Regi explained the opportunities that freshmen often overlook at Bridgewater-Raritan High School.

“Underclassmen often overlook clubs that support creative interests—like an art club or music-based groups—in favor of academically focused ones, even though those spaces can be just as rewarding and inspiring,” she explained. “Being involved outside of class has given me so many friendships and a real sense of community while also helping me strengthen my skills both in school and beyond,” she added.

Lessons & Perspective

Moreover, upperclassmen stressed the importance of perspective. The moments that feel overwhelming to students now will one day seem small. Students must remember that high school is a time in which it is natural to make mistakes, learn from these mistakes and move forward with resilience.

Reflecting on her own journey, Aahana Anupam, a sophomore, shared how her perspective has evolved since freshman year.

“Looking back, one thing I wish I had known when I first started high school is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Over time, I’ve learned that high school is really about growth and discovery, which is trying new things, making mistakes, and learning from them,” said Anupam. “Since freshman year, I’ve changed a lot both academically, personally and socially. I’ve become more organized—especially when it comes to balancing schoolwork with extracurriculars—and I’ve grown more confident in speaking up and connecting with people to create strong friendships,” she continued.

Looking Ahead

Evidently, high school is more than just a series of grades—it is a journey of self-discovery, growth and perseverance. Every friendship formed, lesson learned and opportunity taken becomes a step toward discovering who one is meant to be. A simple, yet powerful message among upperclassmen arises: embrace uncertainty, because it is often where the best parts of high school begin.