I think the thing I was most worried about when entering freshman year was how I would fit in. In a previous article I explained how most teenagers just want a place to belong. A clique. A safe place. I can say that some of the choices I have made freshman year have allowed me to have this safe place I was longing at the beginning of the year.

I joined the theater troupe, and was actually fortunate enough to be in the musical theater class with the upperclassmen and sophomores. I was so overjoyed, yet very nervous to be in this class. Most freshman were put in a class all together, and when I found out I would be apart from them, it made me nervous. How was I supposed to make friends? How was a freshman supposed to become friends with upperclassmen who are all already close?

By the time our first show was over, I knew I had nothing to worry about. Although it was difficult at first, everyone was extremely welcoming. All people wanted was for me to feel like I belong. By the time second semester rolled around, I had so many friends I could just call up at any time. At times, I still have to pinch myself. I don't understand how I got so lucky with such awesome friends.

The advice I would give to incoming freshman is to just find something you enjoy, and work hard. Don't work hard to be somebody you're not, but work hard to be great at something you love. When you do these things, it's easy to see that the socialization part comes together on its own. Be so yourself that it's empowering.

I have no idea what the rest of high school has in store for me. I know that there will be many bad days, but thanks to theater I know that there will be more good days. Finding a family, and sticking to my gut when things get nerve wracking, that is what has made the first year of high school so memorable. I don't think I'm scared to be myself. I think I have more power to be myself, and more willingness to be myself in every area of my life.

Do not ever be scared to be who you were made to be. That is what has made freshman year for me.