The Changes They’ve Endured

For the 2020-2021 freshman of Fair Grove High School, the school year has definitely looked different; with the added changes from COVID-19, plus the already difficult transition of middle school to high school, students have had to learn to adapt.

Hannah Bruner (9), is a freshman this 2020-2021 school year. She stated, “When coming to high school I was most concerned about trying to balance academics and extracurriculars. I was worried that I would have to give up a lot of the things that I loved so that I could be successful in school. Now, I realize that it’s nothing to worry about.” Hannah explained how coming to high school was a stressful experience to start with, but as she adapted to the changes, it became a very easy transition.

Brandon Kandlbinder (9), another freshman this year, shared, “I expected to enjoy the amount of freedom we are given…we have responsibilities that we have to do ourselves, we aren’t being babied anymore.” Kandlbinder told how the freedom, and added personal accountability, has actually been one of the more enjoyable things about high school. Kandlbinder also told how having the option to make more friends that he couldn’t have made in middle school has been another very positive thing about high school. 

The school year hasn’t just been full of positives. Bruner said, “If I could change anything it would be COVID-19. Although this school year has been absolutely amazing, I missed out on things like cheer competitions, pep rallies, homecoming, courtwarming and other events.” Despite all of this, Bruner explained how she continues to keep a positive outlook and hope for more opportunities in the future. Kandlbinder shared how he had it well and hopes that as the year progresses things will continue to improve and get better. 

With more citizens getting vaccinated every day, there seems to be a probable chance that these students will have a more normal sophomore year.