By Peter Fidrych
Staff Writer

It’s the thought on every eight graders mind: high school. Whether you’re the bravest of the brave or so weak minded you fear yourself, the daunting, looming thought of high school follows you around throughout your middle school years. The big question for freshmen: IS IT AS BAD AS IT LOOKS?

As I entered my freshman year, I felt pure terror. I was coming from another school in another town, which meant that I knew nobody. Every time I heard the phrase high school, 9th grade, or freshman, my eyes would shoot open and I would drop whatever I was holding. While I am not so weak minded as to fear myself, I am not admired for my strength of mind or courage. Rumors swirled around me…“Everyone hates freshmen”…”The freshman year is the worst”… “Good luck in High School…the first year is terrible”… I was mortified.

My first day at Westford Academy began with speeches from many staff members: the principal, deans, our class advisors, student council, and many more admirable people. I immediately felt welcome and secure in the environment of Westford Academy. I felt like I was not alone, I realized that everyone else was feeling the same way.

Throughout the rest of the day, my feeling was confirmed. I noticed other frightened faces wearing expressions similar to mine, and I saw terrific teachers who seemed to be there just to make us feel secure. The teachers I met were all kind and encouraging. That first day, however was not my biggest fear. It was the next day…the day when everyone was back. I was afraid of the other students in other grades. Coming from a school in another town, I felt that since no one knew me, I would be a target for harassment. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. All of the sophomores, juniors and seniors all treated me with respect. I mainly interacted with the other grades in P.E., and all of them were not angry if I missed a goal in soccer, not trying to keep me from getting the ball, they made sure I had an equal chance and encouraged me even when I missed the goal.

Throughout these past couple of weeks, I feel that I have become more outgoing. My other school was much smaller, and therefore I knew everyone and never had to try and meet new people. Now, in a school of nearly 1600 students, I am presented with opportunities to meet new people, and make new friends. Westford Academy is indeed, a great school, where everyone feels welcome and safe.