Dear freshman, defeat the imposters in your head

Naseeha Masood, Marli Field, and Samara George • March 17, 2026

Samara George

Through a cracked window, a winter breeze snakes into a bedroom as the moon hangs in the midnight sky. By now, Cinderella has long returned from her ball. A lone student, eyes bloodshot, downs another energy drink. The bitter liquid powers their remaining focus from a weary brain, desperate to finish studying.

Upperclassmen would paint a picture like this and warn me about the long hours of studying high school would demand. But if you ask most high schoolers, I doubt they can mention a single test that broke their high school careers. Sure tests are hard, but that sinking feeling when you realize you did poorly on an assignment while your friend is asking for your grade? That feeling is worse. That fear that you do not belong even if you are working just as hard as everyone else is a feeling most teens have in such a competitive environment like Coppell.

Don’t let comparison steal your drive. It’s easy to look at a classmate who seems to effortlessly improve and feel like giving up, but their success does not define your worth or potential. Basing your motivation on someone else’s achievements only distracts you from your growth.

High school can feel overwhelming, but don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back. Yes, you will forget homework, bomb tests and make mistakes, everyone does. But if you let that fear control you, you will never push yourself or grow.

Naseeha Masood

“Whatever you do, never download LinkedIn,” is the advice I received from a college student. I did what every rational person would do – downloaded it the next day out of curiosity.

My thumb kept flicking through the screen, profile after profile, post after post, all blurring together until I couldn’t even remember why I opened that app. I saw all my fellow peers hit the jackpots with internships, successful nonprofit organizations, published research papers and job opportunities. I felt a gut wrenchingly behind, unaccomplished and useless.

News flash, I don’t think that feeling ever goes away. There will always be demons in your brain screaming you aren’t good enough. However, do not ever let that steal who you are.

Throughout my time in Coppell High School, I’ve seen people put themselves on a pedestal of self-hatred with comparison due to feeling behind. I’ve seen that same mindset carry them towards their everyday life choices creating negative self talk, anxiety, insecurities and health concerns.

That feeling of not belonging is built up on a lie, usually in environments you aren’t familiar with like CHS. It is a huge change from previous spaces, where everything now matters, stakes are high and people are growing. There are a lot of moving parts to personal growth, and it will never stop.

The truth that sets you behind is believing you are behind.

Marli Field

Freshman year means new classes, new beginnings and a world of decisions. But it also comes with a common feeling for many CHS students— academic pressure and comparison.

Students wanting to be the best, not because of an actual drive for school, but because it is what is expected of Coppell students. In my seven years in this district, I have seen more kids worried about getting a B than making friends, and more students staying up all night studying than to attend a school dance.

As a senior, I remind you that you only have four years before stepping into adulthood. Make the most of your remaining time here, enjoying being a kid, not just a student. Work on your character and discovering passions, not just on having the highest GPA. You are not behind because you did not do well in one class, and there is nothing wrong with taking classes serving your interests, not grades.

Because here is the secret – by senior year, you still have no idea where the future will lead you, regardless of the status of the college you will attend or graduation honors. Give yourself the freedom to see high school as a place to grow as a person and make memories. You may know a bit more about who you want to be as you begin that journey after graduation.

I understand there are outside forces that cannot be ignored. For instance, parental expectations. I am not telling you to stop trying in school just as you are getting started. I am simply saying it is OK to take a breath and enjoy being here. High school should be a time of self-growth and discovery, not academic comparison.

Follow @CHScampusnews on X.

About the Contributors

Naseeha Masood, Executive Advertising/Business Director

Naseeha Masood is a junior and the executive advertising/business director for The Sidekick. After hearing about The Sidekick during CHS open house, she decided to join to try out sports photography. Now, she likes to dabble into everything The Sidekick has to offer. Her favorite pastimes are rewatching comfort shows, creating Spotify playlists for her every mood and playing volleyball. You can contact her through email ([email protected]) or on Instagram (@Naseeha.Masood)

Marli Field, Entertainment Editor

Marli Field is a senior and the entertainment editor for The Sidekick. Marli has a passion for uncovering the artistic past of the world around us, and a bringing a voice to people in our community through journalism. She is a lover of pop culture, caramel macchiatos, and manatees. Outside of school, Marli belongs to the student advisory boards for numerous Dallas museums and is the co-president of the CHS book club When not in the Sidekick classroom, she can often be found watching movies, researching random topics instead of studying, and thrifting. You can contact Marli by email at @[email protected] or X at @marli_field

Samara George, Staff Writer

Samara George is a sophomore and first-year staff writer on The Sidekick. She joined the program to pursue her passion for sharing her ideas through writing. When she’s not working on a story, you can find her rewatching comfort shows like Curious George or Gilmore Girls, shopping at Hollister, or scrolling on Pinterest. You can contact Samara through email at [email protected] or on Instagram (@samara_george.2010)

Coppell Student Media

Coppell Student Media

Coppell Student Media

Dear freshman, defeat the imposters in your head

Coppell Student Media

Comments (0)