For most freshmen, high school is like a splash of icy water to the face.  It’s a new campus, new expectations, and a new community.  The abundance of activities, programs and clubs can be overwhelming at first, but the Harriton community does an exceptional job of pulling everyone, excited or anxious, timid or bold, small or tall, into its supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Before you can say “Go Rams!,” the freshmen have become a part of everyday Harriton life.

The mentor program, put in place specifically to assimilate the freshman, has done wonders for students having trouble adapting. Acting as tour guides, the upperclassmen give advice, tips, and share their own experiences for freshmen.  There is no question they can’t answer, as they’ve been through it all themselves.  Freshman Sonia Groeneveld mentions, “The freshman mentor program has been really helpful in making freshmen feel welcomed and comfortable.”  It’s nice to be able to wave or smile at an older student as you pass in the hall, and the Freshman Mentor Program gives everyone an opportunity to do that.

One of the many great things about Harriton is that there are so many clubs to join.  No matter what interests you have, or how old you are, there is a place for you at Harriton.  On Ram Day, students browsed the gym during lunch, signing up for any club that intrigued them.  Whether it’s HTC or Build On, Stock Club or Yearbook, there’s somewhere you belong.  Freshman have just as much of a voice as seniors and can contribute their ideas to any club they choose.  Joining a club is a great way to meet people who share your interests and to make your mark on the Harriton community. Jack Gelb, a Harriton freshman, says “Joining clubs has made me feel as if I am a part of the community, because many of the upperclassmen in them have been really nice and given very helpful advice.”  Leela Raj, new to Harriton and Lower Merion School Disitrict, shares “I think being a part of a sport or club is really important.  They give you a chance to meet people –upperclassmen and others in your grade- who have the same interests as you.”

The truth is that clubs, no matter how great the club, can’t solve all of freshmen’s problems.  When arriving at a new school, finding your way around is perhaps one of the most daunting tasks, especially when most of the hallways appear to be the same.  Imagine the stress as you pace around the next corner, only to find the same expanse of red and white blocking your path.  It’s all you can do to keep the nervous bolt of energy from loudly escaping through your clenched lips.  Excluding the few 9^th graders sprinting through the halls, praying they would beat the bell, most freshmen navigated the halls with relative ease and composure on their first day, all thanks to Move Up Day and Orientation.  Assuming the brain has finally awoken from its summer hibernation, you’ll recall the freshmen visits at the end of last school year and the beginning of this one.  Both trips took the freshmen on a tour of the school in hopes of alleviating their first day jitters.  Orientation -an especially helpful visit- assisted students in finding their classrooms and even meeting some of their teachers.  With navigation struggles out of the picture, students can begin to feel that Harriton is their home.

Many people may have noticed the multiple freshmen strutting the hallways sporting noisy trash bag couture or a very stylish and flashy “Baby Spice” bib on the first day of school.  These outfits, though questionable fashion choices, were worn in honor of certain sports teams.  Joining a sports team is the perfect way to become a part of the Harriton community. Never mind the previously desirable goal of blending in…  Being part of a team is one of the most effective ways to “belong,” because freshmen and upperclassmen are on the same roster.  Emily Klevan, a freshman, shares, “Playing soccer and going to pre-season was a good experience for me and gave me a chance to make friends with older students.”  The upperclassman students are supportive and kind and, as Emily said, it’s a quick way to make some new friends.  Even if you’re forced to lug the water jugs around, or clean up the senior’s trash, Harriton sports are a large part of the Harriton culture and once you join a team, you’re set for four years of fun.

Whether you identify as a “freshie”, “frosh” or simply a freshman, merging into Harriton culture comes naturally.  With the flick of a pen, or tap of a keyboard, you’ve signed up for your ticket into the Harriton community.  Soon enough, you’ll converse with upperclassmen, even the ones with beards, and you’ll hike up those steps without so much as a quiet groan.  All the worries you had that kept you awake that night of September 2^rd, will seem to be petty, childish concerns.  Look out, for Harriton culture pulls anyone and everyone into its welcoming, beaming arms.