There is a lot to learn about St. Dominic as an incoming freshman or transfer student. So much so that it is a bit intimidating. But to make their assimilation easier the upperclassmen and veteran students have advice to share.
Academics can be scary but there are ways to stay on top of your schoolwork. Do not procrastinate. As appealing as it might be to ignore your homework, especially with block schedules, it will always come back to bite you in the end.
“Don’t fall behind on it, like, actually pay attention in your classes, and taking notes and looking over them actually works,” junior Rose Chamberlain said.
Study is one of our four pillars here at St. Dominic and therefore is very important to all members of the St. Dominic community. It is in the best interest of all new students to stay on top of their schoolwork. Freshman year is not a low stakes year. The choices made in freshman year will affect the next three years. A GPA can become very distorted with just one bad semester.
However, grades aren’t the only thing that matters. A new school year can symbolize a new start. For example, making new friends, which can be scary, but rewarding in the long run. The easiest way to make friends is just to be kind. It may sound oversimplified but it’s true.
A lack of hallway etiquette is the quickest way to annoy your peers. One of the biggest pet peeves of St. Dominic students are slow walkers in the hallways.
“Make sure to stay on the right side to not crowd the hallways,” senior Josie Maassen said.
To make a great first impression on the class of 2025 it’s important to walk quickly and take outside routes if possible. Not all the new students know the alternative routes yet but as the year goes on it should become easier.
This is not meant to be intimidating because, by all means, school is fun. There are so many opportunities here at St. Dominic, and, if taken, they can make your school life immensely rewarding.
Ask any senior and they will surely tell you how much they’ve loved the past three years. How they wish they could go back and participate in even more.
“Joining clubs and activities is such a big deal. You can make so many new friends through that. Going to football games to hang out with friends and show my school spirit, it was definitely the best part of my years here,” senior Lexi Davies said.
Most importantly, make the most of it. It may be stressful from time to time but you only have a few years. Your time here will change you, but it’s up to you to decide if that’s for the better. St. Dominic can be a safe haven for you and can give you so many opportunities so make the most of it!
