By MOLLY GARUD, Gazebo Staff Writer

For three years, I walked the same halls, ate in the same lunch room, and attended the same football games.

But I never felt I truly belonged.

I always believed there was something more to Stratford. After the first day of high school, that feeling went away. Free from walking in lines and intense supervision, high school awakened the definition of a Stratford Eagle.

On my first day of ninth grade, I was especially nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for a new milestone and a day which sets the tone for my next four years.

However, all of my expectations crafted in middle school about high school were erased.

Throughout the latter part of middle school, the eighth-grade teachers planted firm expectations in my mind about high school.

These teachers explained high school would be filled with strict teachers with high expectations for us, hours of tough homework, and many more commitments.

I expected the freshmen would be left unnoticed, I would have intense homework, an improved break with loud music, more commitments for sports and clubs, and grades that count forever.

I have come to the conclusion that high school is very similar to my expectations.

However, there have also been many surprises. These include larger study hall classes, lengthy double periods, classes which are spread throughout Stratford’s beautiful campus, lots of clubs and opportunities to get involved, small class sizes, and teachers who can relate to us.

Furthermore, I was greatly surprised on the first day when the entire high school created a warm welcome which eased all of the freshmen’s nerves. For instance, the mentors calmed all of our nerves, and many signs were put up to prevent us from getting lost.

In addition, as I anticipated, teachers give lots of homework, and give complicated tests which create lots of stress. Moreover, freshmen have more freedoms in high school than they did in middle school. Examples of these include being able to possess our phones, break consists of loud, enjoyable music in the lunchroom, not being constantly watched by teachers, never having to walk in lines, and P.E. is optional.

I enjoy high school. Along with our new freedoms, high schoolers participate in numerous activities, which leave middle school behind. These include dances, date walls, spirit days, student sections, tailgates, and homecoming courts.

Despite the massive workload that high school brings, these experiences will help us enjoy the next four years with their friends.

Molly Garud is a freshman and a Gazebo staff writer.