Everyone has their own experiences in high school. For some, it’s all about academics, while for others it’s more about the social side of things. However, the truth is that none of us are really experiencing something completely new. With the number of students who come and go, there’s always someone who’s faced the same issues in the past. If you’re stressed about grades, unsure about the future, feeling homesick, or just trying to find your people, there’s always someone who has been in that situation who is ready to help figure it out and give some advice. 

I started Woodstock in ninth grade, and it hasn’t all been easy. The first thing I noticed when I joined was how involved and close everyone was with each other. Trying to understand and fit into a boarding school can be difficult, considering how little privacy there can be. At times, all you really need is some reassurance that you’ll eventually find where you belong. 

That’s what I hope ‘Finding Your Place’ at Woodstock can give you in terms of advice and support to make the journey less overwhelming and more meaningful. It’s inspired by my own experiences of figuring things out, sometimes the hard way, and wanting to create something I wish I had when I first joined. It’s going to give tips for students in different stages of high school who might need a reminder that they’re never alone in whatever they are going through. Whether it’s figuring out how to balance academics and activities, learning how to manage stress, or just navigating friendships and dorm life, this guide is here to try and make your journey a little easier. It’s not about having all the answers, but about sharing real experiences and lessons that can help make Woodstock feel less intimidating and more like a home you share with your peers. 

For New Students 

Being new is never easy. Especially in a small community like Woodstock, you may feel like everyone already has a set friend group, and there’s no space to make connections, but trust me when I say there’s always going to be someone who shows up in your life at the most unexpected moments. What helps is giving yourself time to adjust. Teachers, dorm parents, and older students actually remember what it’s like to be in your place, and are more than willing to help. Of course, if any of you feel uncomfortable talking to teachers about personal issues, you can come talk to seniors. At times, seniors can seem very unapproachable (including myself), but always give the person a chance and go up to them with the questions or advice you need, because most of the time they are always willing to help. 

Tips: 

  • One thing that took me a while to realise and understand was rushing into situations and trying to fit in with everyone; it isn’t going to benefit your life in any way. Let things happen naturally because at the end of the day, everything that happens to you is working for you rather than against you. If it takes you a little longer to make friends, that’s okay. It usually just means the ones you do make are genuine and actually last, instead of ending after a couple of weeks.
  • I feel like high school can make you feel like you need a “group” right away, but the truth is, the people who really matter will come into your life at the right time. And when they do, it happens naturally because you don’t have to change yourself or force your way into anything. 
  • Join different clubs, teams, and don’t shy away from conversations that might help you and other people start new friendships. Some of the best relationships I’ve made at this school have been through sports and different extracurricular activities. It’s a way to talk to people you would never otherwise speak to. Sometimes it may be outside of your comfort zone, but those are moments when you may be able to build new connections with people. 
  • Lastly, just remember to stay true to yourself because if you’re trying to change who you are in order to make friends, then you won’t be able to build a real connection since you’re not being yourself. It might feel tempting to go along with everything just to fit in, but that usually leaves you feeling way more drained than supported. Real connections can only happen when you let your guard down and let people see the genuine you. And in a place like Woodstock, where you’re living so closely with others, the friendships that last will be there years after high school. 

For The Student Athletes

I joined the basketball team when I was in 9th grade. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I joined because, well, honestly, I needed a sport. I didn’t realize at first how much of a commitment being on the team would be, but once practices and games began, I had never felt so overwhelmed. I was only in 9th grade. Just imagine how it is being in 11th grade and having to work around class, homework, and sports schedules. And it’s not just basketball that has these tight schedules; it’s so many other sports we have at our school. It’s definitely not easy to juggle long practices and all the added school work, and there are moments when you really feel the pressure. But what I’ve realized is that it’s less about being completely drained and more about learning how to manage your time and set your priorities. As you move up grades, the workload gets heavier, and balancing everything becomes even more important. And if we’re being honest, seniors will always remind you that your workload is nothing compared to theirs (which, now that I’m living it, is true).

Tips: 

  • Do not ignore your body and what it needs. If you’re exhausted, why push yourself so that you become worse? It’s not going to benefit your performance, and long-term injuries are the last thing an athlete needs, especially with the amount of walking we have to do at Woodstock. 
  • One thing I’ve learned the hard way in so many situations is managing my workload wisely. Procrastination can be your biggest enemy, and it has been mine ever since I started school. It’s the worst, especially on days with long practices. And it’s not even something you can go to a teacher and complain about because at the end of the day, you did have enough time – it’s just about using it better. 
  • Always communicate with your teachers and coaches if your schedules are clashing because most of the time, they’re willing to help and be understanding. 
  • If you need advice on how to go about managing your time, talk to people who have similar schedules and workloads so that you can get advice from them as well. I’ve always found it helpful to speak to seniors who have gone through similar situations, because they give you different ways of resolving and fixing the problems you have.

High school comes with its own challenges for everyone: whether it is stressing about grades and college, trying to balance practice with schoolwork, or figuring out where you fit in. While navigating this, know that you aren’t going through it alone. 

So, as you finish reading this article, take a breath, stop giving yourself such a hard time, and remember that you’re still in high school. 

You don’t have to have it all figured out; things change, and that’s okay. You’ve got time, even if it doesn’t feel like it, and a whole community around you; a community that is always willing to help –  if you just ask.

Written by Norzin Yidan, Journalist at The Woodstocker

Edited by Trishana Panchagatti and Priyanshi Poddar, Co-Editor of The Woodstocker