Transitioning from middle school to high school with upperclassmen, lockers and multiple floors seem daunting, but adding a global pandemic to the mix — it’s not what anyone would imagine freshman year to be.

However, despite these new challenges, several freshmen are keeping optimistic about the school year.

Freshman Peter Dessert is interested in theater and began as a remote learner this year. According to Dessert, navigating friendships has been difficult. 

“Meeting new people has been a struggle because I can’t exactly unmute myself to make friends and connections,” Dessert said. “I’ve met about one or two people and we’ve seen each other a few times, but it doesn’t feel the same.”

As a remote learner, Dessert said he is loving his classes and his teachers as they are helping his transition become more smooth. 

“Classes have been so easy to adjust to,” Dessert said. “There’s more work, but if I need help, I can email my teachers. They’re good at responding back to me as soon as they can.” 

Freshman Laine Liston said she has been finding high school to be “fascinating,” but finds the one way hallways to be a struggle at times.

“One way hallways are definitely … interesting,” Liston said with a chuckle. “I mean, I don’t hate them, but it’s harder to make connections when everyone has to go straight to their classes.” 

Liston said she enjoys the larger atmosphere and pool of people and that she enjoys seeing her friends when she can.

“Miege is very different from St. Elizabeth,” Liston said. “It’s a bigger pool of people. I like more people and a different atmosphere though. It’s very different from middle school, but that’s why I like it.” 

Freshman Meghan Ruf is a dancer on the dance team and said she has enjoyed her classes. Meghan said the transition from grade school was drastic and a little stressful at times. 

  “At times, I feel like a minnow in a fish bowl because there are a lot more people,” Ruf said. “Sometimes, it feels overwhelming, but I always try walking with my friends, and they help out. We help each other out when we’re finding our classes.”

Regardless of the larger group of kids and wider pool of faces, Ruf noted the exciting parts of her year come from being able to dance and be close with the upperclassmen. 

“Dance has been so much fun,” Ruf said. “The seniors help in making us feel comfortable, and I love them. They’re all super sweet, and I don’t think I’ve met one unkind senior.” 

Though the year has been difficult in regards to how school should be, Ruf said she is confident about the remainder of the school year.

“This year will still be amazing regardless of what happens,” Ruf said.