The 2025-2026 school year has just wrapped up midterm its first term. Many underclassmen (ninth and tenth grade) may be feeling overwhelmed and conflicted during their first years at Urbana High School. Freshmen ask Seniors about their biggest concerns are and what they wish they knew when starting their high school career.
GENERAL
To begin with, upperclassmen recommend creating a plan for when you come home from school and setting a routine according to your schedule. Do your homework as soon as possible, in between classes, or before 10 p.m. so your brain doesn’t give out when the sun sets. For tests, review concepts the day before so when it’s time for the review packet, nothing will jump-scare you.
You may be doing all of these things and still end the day completely burnt out with no motivation. It’s important to realize that it’s okay to feel that way—the routine you created doesn’t need to be met perfectly every day.
A concern many underclassmen have brought up is teacher difficulties. Some teachers are stricter, while others are more relaxed and understanding. Every teacher has their own deadlines and submission rules, so it’s important to submit your work on time and plan ahead. Some staff also assign more classwork and homework, which is a new standard students must keep up with. The best thing you can do with the more rigorous teachers is to communicate with them, ask what resources are available, and request extensions if needed. But be careful with late assignments—some zeros will not add numbers.
PEOPLE ADVICE
Talk to new people! We realize this doesn’t come easy for a lot of students, but if you wait for others to approach you, you’ll be stuck in the same place. We recommend joining clubs and after-school activities to find people with similar interests. Say hi to people in the hallways first—even if you don’t know them that well. Every small action adds up.
High school is a place where you’re supposed to meet new people. Another great way to do that is by going to school events. Even if you don’t like going to events (football games, homecoming, spirit days, theater shows), we recommend going at least once. The next time that event comes around, you can decide whether you want to go again or not. Don’t knock it until you try it!
RANDOM
This seems pretty obvious, but read the messages sent out on Schoology and pay attention to the morning announcements. A lot of useful information is given out, including competitions (like the art show and Olympiad), clubs (like robotics and mock trial), and sports deadlines. Dates and opportunities are all provided if you stay connected.
CLASSES
Interested in math? Take math classes beyond the required credits. Interested in art? Take art classes beyond the required credits. The subjects you’re most interested in will likely stay with you after high school, and you’ll already have a strong foundation.
Urbana High School offers many different types of classes such as IB, AP, CTC, and FCC classes. We are fortunate to have so many options, so take advantage of them. If you are planning to attend college in-state, we recommend taking FCC (Frederick Community College) classes so you can get ahead with extra credits. If you are unsure or planning to go out of state, we recommend taking as many AP (Advanced Placement) classes as possible. They prepare you for college-level work and can transfer into college credits (if you pass the exam). Collect AP classes like infinity stones.
Students can take CTC courses as early as sophomore year, but you’ll have to go to Frederick Community College every day. (You will miss out on some clubs and electives, since you’ll spend half your day at FCC and the other half completing your credits.) Students in CTC suggest taking it only if you are confident the program is what you want for your future.
Not only does Urbana offer these academic opportunities, but they also provide CTE (Career, Technical, and Education) pathways. These cords are awarded when you graduate for completing certain topics. For example, the Computer Science pathway includes courses like Foundations of Computer Science, Advanced Computing Concepts, AP Computer Science A, and AP Computer Science Principles. Instead of feeling stressed your junior year wishing you had scheduled differently, plan ahead! After completing a pathway you receive a certificate and a cord. Contact Dr. Zimmerman for details.
LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT
Along with planning ahead, join clubs and organizations as early as you can. Over time, you’ll gain experience and leadership. Work hard and you could even be on the board of that organization. For example, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Model United Nations, and FFA (Future Farmers of America) are just a few opportunities.
To wrap it up, form relationships with your teachers and/or staff members. They can help you along your high school journey and they will always be there to go back to. Ask for help, ask questions, ask them how their day went. Letter of recommendations come from teachers, not your friends and family so form connections.
Good luck, Urbana High School—we believe in you!
