John Loop
Class of 2014
All right, Freshmen, listen up.You’re probably thinking, Woah! This school is waaayyy bigger than I thought it would be. Trust me, I’ve heard that one before. But don’t worry about it. You’ll get used to it in a hurry. You’ll stop noticing that it’s the epitome of the saying, “Everything is Bigger in Texas”.
I initially felt lost, confused, and nervous, like some of you do now. I wish that I could’ve had someone, perhaps an older brother or sister, or a close friend, to keep my spirits up about my first year at Coppell High.
However, that’s why I want to help you. I am going to give you my top tips on how to survive your first year of packed hallways and crammed lunches at CHS.
1. A-MAZE-ing – Make sure and know your schedule. In the weeks leading up to the first day of school, walk your schedule multiple times. As you’ll find out quickly in the first week or so, it is very easy to get lost in the back halls, front halls, and secret passageways that entwine the school. Also, try to find navigable routes to beat the “rush hour” traffic during passing period from class to class. For example, avoid the main hallway in between lunches. You‘ll be bumper to bumper for hours, or at least until the music stops.
2. Dessert(ed) Island – Find a table and sit down ASAHP (As Soon As Humanly Possible) when you get to lunch, then worry about getting food. If you try to get lunch first, you’ll end up having almost no time to eat it because the line to get it was too long. On my first day, by the time I had scoured the cafeteria for familiar faces, there was no time to eat or socialize with my friends. If you cannot find any of your friends, lunch is always a good time to break the ice with some new ones. You are going to be here for four years, so it’s a good idea to meet the people you may be in class with further down the road in your high school career.
3. Let’s Go Clubbing – Get involved. There are over 75 after-school clubs at CHS like Latin Club, Improv, Red Cross Club, Cupcake Club, and lots more. Clubs are a good way to meet new people as well as an opportunity to show off your passions and talents.
4. Homework Schmomework – Your homework load will increase. Try to get it done in class if the teacher gives you time to do it. Many nights, I found myself staying up at night until about 1:00 a.m in the morning when I was accustomed to going to bed much earlier. It really pulls a number on your brain the next morning in class. Try doing math, my first period last year, on about 3 hours of sleep!
5. Friendless Frenzy – Don’t worry about not having friends in your classes (which I doubt will happen). You will still have time after school to meet up and hangout. Many of the freshmen last year dubbed Sonic as their after school meeting place to grab a drink and recap the day.
6. Stand Up and Be Proud to Get Loud – The football games are a great way to show your CHS school spirit as well. The spirit isn’t just present during the game. Every Friday during football season, there’s usually a pep rally to get the whole school psyched up for the big game.
Whether you, the Class of 2016, are completely positive that your experience is going to be great, or you are not that sure about your new way of school life, buckle up for the next four years, because you’re in for the ride of a lifetime.
