By Peter Fidrych
Staff Writer

It’s the thought on every eighth grader’s mind: high school. Whether you’re the bravest of the brave or so weak-minded that 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 doing. 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.