transition to high school can be difficult; student services is here to help

By: Raina Shah

As seniors begin their transition into the next phase of their lives post high school, it may be just as vitally important to remember that, in some ways, rising freshmen also must learn to navigate a new environment to be successful.  

It certainly was the case for me. 

On the first day of school, I remember feeling a mix between anxiety and excitement. I thought I would be in the clear after settling in after the first few opening weeks, but the stress only increased after classes picked up. I struggled for a long time to find a balance, but I couldn’t escape the feeling of being overwhelmed. Eventually, I got the help I needed from my counselor, which had a noticeable benefit to my growth.

​The transition from middle school to high school represents a critical time for students. It requires a lot of effort and adjustment in order to make that transition. 

“My transition to high school was difficult because I had to learn how to balance a lot of challenging classes and I put a lot of pressure on myself to prepare for college,” said one Glenelg junior. 

For teenagers, high school is a crucial time to begin considering their long-term plans, including college, career training, or joining the workforce. During this time of transition, parents, teachers, and counselors have an important role in helping them with their academic and career plans. 

Glenelg school counselor Carolyn Devlin even noted that “the transition from middle school to high school is the most profound developmental growth for students.” 

To this end, Glenelg has done many things to make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible for incoming students. Gladiators on the Horizon is led by school counselors Devlin and Mindy Hirsch. Juniors and Seniors apply and get selected into a program where they welcome freshmen and new students in order to make them feel included in our community. Every freshman student is assigned a mentor who they can always refer back to with any questions.

Gladiators on the Horizon has done a phenomenal job including students and making the Glenelg community a tighter, more comfortable place for students. 

While the program will not be continuing for the 2024-25 school year, school counselors and upperclassmen have ensured to continue to assist any new students that are looking for help.

School counselors are an important asset in the transition to high school. They know all of the ins and outs of Glenelg and have been through this transition process numerous times. 

When I was a freshman, my transition to Glenelg was very difficult and I remember my school counselor being there for me every step of the way. I was confused on what classes I should be taking, what I wanted to do in the future, and how to stay on top of everything. My school counselor helped me get to where I am now in a stable, supportive, and balanced environment. 

“We want students to leave room and energy to maintain healthy school relationships, academic fulfillment, and continue to have time with family and friends,” says Devlin. “We want it to be a complete high school experience.”

On the verge of being a senior, I have learned so much throughout my years here at Glenelg, and put myself in positions to have the ‘complete high school experience.’ I feel like I am ready and prepared to take on the transition to college now. When I look back to who I was my freshman year I see a whole new person. I worked through my anxiety and worries and became someone I hope others can learn from.