With the end of first semester already here, as well as the impact of finals, high schoolers’ lives are in a whirlwind and more. Some students are struggling to get their grade up while others are counting down to the end of the year.  For freshmen, this is even more of a time where they will face pressure with grades and tests, as this is their first experience with finals in high school. This is also the case for Melanie Pantoja, who like other freshmen is scrambling to finish all her assignments and keep up with work. “It’s definitely been stressful with the finals and all of our teachers assigning us several projects and assignments,” Pantoja said. “I would say a goal that I would have for next semester would be to turn in all my assignments on time. I’m also looking forward to my classes next semester as a lot of my friends are in them.”

There are all kinds of activities that happen beginning second semester such as sports, clubs and events. “I’m really looking forward to the tennis season that is coming up, and I plan on joining that and the National Honor Society. There are many events and sports coming up in the spring so I’m looking forward to them,” said Isabella Botchek.

Of course, with the end of the freshmen’s first semester coming, it is a reminder that they’ll soon be sophomores, and the school will welcome the new incoming ninth graders next year. This year’s freshmen have advice for next year’s newcomers. “Some advice that I have for the eighth graders coming to GP would be to turn in assignments on time. It may seem tough at first, but if you don’t turn in assignments on time, it will be difficult to get your grades back up,” said Seanna Hohl.

On the other hand, Sean Holohan gives equally important advice regarding self-care. “My advice would be to take care of your mental health especially as things will get harder with added assignments to complete, sports, clubs and later in high school worrying about career and college. That’s why in my opinion it is equally important to take care of your mental health by taking breaks or managing your time wisely to keep yourself from burning out,” Holohan said.