Despite the common notion that only seniors have an “easier” second semester, freshmen, too, tend to have an easier time in the second half of the year.

Once second semester rolls around, freshmen have adjusted to the chaotic lifestyle that comes with high school. Freshman Ben Connally agrees.

“I’m in the groove of things, so I’m more prepared for my classes because I know what is going to happen,” Connally said.

Freshman Francesca DiCera said that after first semester, she better knows both her teachers and how to prepare for upcoming tests.

“I’m doing all my study guides online so I can easily access them when it’s time to make a study guide for finals,” DiCera said. “I’m also separating notes from everything else to stay more organized and to prioritize what I’ll actually need to study for a test.”

After completing first semester, freshman Grace Kim says she now tries to plan ahead, and not procrastinate, so she does not feel rushed.

“First semester let me get a grip on what I need to do to reach my standards, balance schoolwork with activities,” Kim said. “Now I already know what I need to do to succeed in second semester.”

One of the hardest parts of high school is dealing with school, homework, sports and clubs, without spreading too thin in all of them.

“Schoolwork is definitely a priority, I just have to sit down and get it down before I let myself get distracted with other things,” Kim said.

For next year’s incoming freshman, Connally said to respect teachers, and not to mess around.

“I would tell them not to worry about being in classes with older kid, because you’ll meet a lot of new people,” DiCera said. “Also stay organized and it will make life a lot easier when it comes to tests and homework.”