Before I even stepped foot on campus, I felt like I had already known every inch of Westview High School. That summer before my freshman year was a whirlwind of orientation sessions, endless emails, and course selection pages that seemed like a bundle of confusion and graduation credits. The information overload was overwhelming, and my mind raced with all the times people praised and criticized a class.
It was like standing on the edge of a vast ocean, with every wave of new information crashing over me, making me wonder how I would ever find my footing in this new chapter of my life.
When it came to electives, I set out with a determination to explore. Unlike most classes at our school, elective classes push the limits of learning. These classes allow students to develop skills that go beyond the textbook and encourage an exploration of personal interests and passions that can branch off into a path for the future. Electives aren’t just about fulfilling a requirement, they’re about discovering what excites you and broadening your horizons.
Yet, while others seemed to easily find their place going into high school, whether it be hobbies or sports, I struggled. There were an overwhelming amount of options and constantly questioning my choices, I feared that for the next four years, I would be stuck going through the motions without something to be truly passionate about.
But, that summer, I started to focus on the things that I could control and began to explore different hobbies like sewing, crocheting, ice skating, and learning to play different instruments. This sparked a journey of discovery that brought me into freshman year with a new mindset.
From the moment I walked onto the campus, I began to immerse myself in Westview’s culture, joining various organizations such as cheer, track, Speech and Debate, VSA, and Young Leaders in Healthcare. But the most daunting challenge of all was NJROTC.
I had followed in my sister’s footsteps, who spent four years in NJROTC and eventually became the Commanding Officer. Watching her navigate challenges and grow into her leadership role inspired me to see what made her so passionate about the organization.
However, the military culture of the program ended up being a dunk in cold water for me. Transitioning from being a reserved student to becoming an assertive leader was a tough task, and it quickly made me realize how much effort it would take to adapt to military discipline.
The progress was gradual, but eventually, I found my rhythm. I began to feel that comfort I had been searching for on campus, finding solace in the variety of personalities in the unit. I started to learn about the intricacies of NJROTC, from military ranks to shooting air rifles, and earning awards like the Aptitude and Distinguished Cadet awards validated my dedication and hard work.
These experiences opened my eyes to the myriad of possibilities that high school offered and it had me thinking: what else could I explore?
I then remembered my ASB days back in middle school and how invigorating it felt to be a part of the student government. At the end of my first semester, I decided to pursue that feeling again.
It was a thrilling experience as I began my journey as a culture committee member in ASB. I was able to organize and run school-wide events, and it was so interesting to learn about the complex processes and planning that ASB is tasked with. Every member had a niche skill that they specialized in, whether it be event coordination or morale boosting.
Rally after rally, I found myself drawn to the vibrancy of the ASB program and how they infused so much spirit into everything. It was a stark contrast to NJROTC, and balancing the two was exhilarating, one so spirited and dynamic, while the other so disciplined and structured. I would arrive at school wearing my NJROTC uniform and leave with an ASB polo on.
Balancing the demands of NJROTC and ASB was challenging, but incredibly rewarding, thanks to the friendships I built along the way. Amid all the chaos of life, I always knew I had people to rely on during difficult times. These relationships made my experience in both organizations far more meaningful, and I know they will continue to be important throughout the next three years.
As the second semester came to a close, I reached a fork in the road where I had to drop an elective to fit in other required courses. Though I had anticipated this moment, I’d gone into high school determined to explore everything that piqued my interest. To me, the regret of not trying something new was far worse than the fear of venturing into the unknown.
In the midst of grappling with my tough decision, I had a conversation with my mom’s best friend, who is the parent of a writer for The Nexus. She filled me in on the different aspects of The Nexus and how it was a great opportunity to explore the facets of Westview life while simultaneously being able to share your thoughts and feelings.
I’ve always loved writing, and the idea of spreading the stories of students on campus really resonated with me. So, determined, I met with Nexus adviser Jeff Wenger and applied to be part of this unique team.
This year, I am looking forward to my time in The Nexus and the impact I will have on my peers around me through the lens of a newspaper.
When I reflect on my journey at Westview, I feel nothing but gratitude. While I felt accepted in different ways through each elective, it took courage to leave familiar routines and delve into the unknown. However, the growth that I’ve gained from fully immersing myself and deciding what I want to invest my time into has made me the person I am.
I learned to be vulnerable, to put myself out there. It was the scariest yet most rewarding thing, and with each step, I revealed a little more about myself. I think it’s one of the most enriching elements of being human and I’m looking forward to many more years of typing away, sharing stories, and being a part of something that connects our school community.
“A Fresh Start: My Journey of Discovery at Westview”
“Embracing the unknown and dipping my feet in new waters”
“Charting New Waters: From NJROTC to ASB and Everything in Between”
“Finding My Place: A Freshman’s Quest for Passion and Purpose”
“Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: The Adventures of a Westview Freshman”
“Exploring the Westview Experience Through Electives and Leadership”
