High School Freshman Day in the Life -- What to Expect at St. Agnes
Enter the mind of a high school freshman! Read about a ninth grader’s first semester in high school, including how she built community at St. Agnes Academy.
By Mace Alarize Bautista ‘28
For many, especially teenage girls, change can feel frightening and disheartening. It often takes weeks, months, or even longer to adjust to new experiences that disrupt our sense of normalcy. This can be especially true for a significant milestone that so many dread: the beginning of high school.
We had all heard the stories – rigorous classes, strict teachers, and the haunting possibility of not making a single friend. When I started high school last fall at St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas, it felt like my entire world had turned upside down.
Coming from a small, co-ed private middle school, the leap to a larger all-girls school was overwhelming. I worried constantly about fitting in and navigating this new environment. To make matters even more daunting, my best friend chose a different school, leaving me to brave this new chapter on my own. But as I discovered, even the harshest storms pass, and just as clouds give way to blue skies, my fears eventually faded.
I grew into the community, building not only my academic skills but also meaningful friendships. With the myriad of opportunities and experiences offered at St. Agnes, it was impossible not to feel welcomed as a high school freshman.
Reflecting on First Semester and Looking Forward to the Next Semester
Find out how I grew academically, socially, and personally during the first semester of my freshman year of high school, navigating new challenges and embracing new opportunities along the way.
Freshman Fall Events: A Warm Welcome to High School
St. Agnes works hard to ensure freshmen felt at ease during their first year of high school by hosting events introducing us to the campus, our classmates, and the spirit of the St. Agnes.
On the very first day, we participated in Out of Box, where we learned how to use our laptops and navigate the digital platforms that would become essential tools throughout high school. It was both helpful and fun, especially as I met classmates who, like me, were figuring things out for the first time.
The excitement continued with Tiger Camp, an orientation camp designed to ease us into high school life. We played team-building games, met our small group leaders (upperclassmen), and got to know our classmates better. By the end of the camp, I already felt more connected to the St. Agnes community.
One of the most memorable parts of the semester was Welcome Week, a series of events designed to kick off the school year with excitement and joy, introducing 9th grade students to their senior year "big sisters."
Throughout the week, themed dress-up days added to the excitement:
- On Baby Day, we wore bibs, onesies, and pacifiers.
- On Rodeo Day, everyone donned cowboy boots, hats, and Western attire.
- The final day of Welcome Week was the much-anticipated Parade of Costumes, where students showed off their creativity with everything from fairytale characters to superheroes.
The week included a beautiful prayer service immediately after the big reveal of our big sisters. Both classes of 2025 and 2028 came together to reflect on our year ahead. Of course, the hilarious and engaging Orientation Skit performed by upperclassmen junior and senior students helped us learn about school traditions and rules in a fun way and was a fun event for the entire student body.
These events brought so much laughter and camaraderie to the start of our high school experience and journey.
Clubs, Organizations, and School Spirit
Once the school year started, one of the first major events I attended was the Club Carnival, which introduced us high school freshmen to a wide variety of extracurricular activities available at St. Agnes.
With over 50 clubs to choose from, there was something for everyone – whether you were passionate about art, science, social justice, or cultural exploration. I joined the Friendly Fashion Club and a book club, both of which gave me a chance to connect with like-minded peers.
For students interested in sports, St. Agnes offers a robust athletics program. From volleyball and basketball to swimming and cross country, the school provides plenty of opportunities to stay active and competitive. I have loved attending sports games and pep rallies, where the school spirit is infectious. Seeing my classmates cheer for each other with so much enthusiasm makes me proud to be part of such a spirited community.
Another unique aspect of St. Agnes is Campus Ministry, which focuses on personal growth and service to others. The organization coordinates retreats, service projects, and faith-based events that help us deepen our understanding of ourselves and our community.
Our class retreat took place this fall and was a good way to meet more classmates and bond as a grade away from campus. We traveled to Camp for All on a Thursday and returned home the following afternoon. Our alumnae often say St. Agnes retreats are where many core memories are formed. After attending our first retreat, I understand that now.
Navigating Academics and Daily Life
Adjusting to the academic schedule at St. Agnes was challenging initially, but it quickly became manageable. The eight-day rotating schedule – where each day features a different set of classes – helped break up the routine and kept things interesting. For example, my day one schedule looked like this:
- Block One: Honors English 1
- Community Time: A free hour for studying, club meetings, or grabbing a snack at Strake’s Café.
- Block Two: Freshman Seminar
- Lunch
- Block Three: Algebra 1
- Block Four: Health or P.E. (alternated weekly)
- Block Five: French
The inclusion of Community Time was a lifesaver. Whether I needed to finish homework, prepare for an exam, or just relax with friends, this hour provided much-needed flexibility in my day.
One of the most unique aspects of the curriculum was the Freshman Seminar, a class dedicated to helping first-year students navigate high school life. Each student is assigned a counselor who guides topics like time management, mental health, staying organized, and building good study habits.
A portion of the class was also reserved for “Academy Support,” which gave us additional time to catch up on assignments or simply decompress. Academy Support is an optional block each student can register for during their time at St. Agnes, assuming it makes sense for their schedule.
Looking Ahead: Spring Semester Excitement
While the fall semester was packed with exciting events, the spring semester promises even more opportunities to grow and connect. One of the most highly anticipated surprises is the possibility of Veritas Vacation Day, a spontaneous field day filled with outdoor games, food, and fun. The best part? No one knows when it will happen—it is a surprise announced at the last minute!
Another spring highlight is the continuation of pep rallies, which bring the entire school together to celebrate our spring sports teams. The energy and enthusiasm at these events are unparalleled, making them a favorite for many students.
One event I’m especially looking forward to is the International Food Festival, a celebration of the diverse cultures represented at St. Agnes. Students, parents, and faculty prepare dishes from around the world, creating a delicious feast that highlights the richness of our community. I plan to bring a dish from my family’s heritage to share with my classmates.
A Semester of Growth & Connection as a High School Freshman
Reflecting on my first semester at St. Agnes, I realized how much I have grown in just a few short months.
What started as a daunting and unfamiliar experience became an incredible journey of self-discovery, learning, and connection. I learned to navigate a rigorous academic schedule, build meaningful relationships, and embrace the many opportunities offered to high school students.
As I look back on my first semester of high school, it’s clear that St. Agnes isn’t just a school – it’s a community unlike any other. It’s a place where teachers genuinely care about your success, classmates cheer each other on, and every event, club, and tradition is designed to help you grow into the best version of yourself.
From the warm welcome of Welcome Week to the lasting friendships I made during Freshman Retreat, every moment has contributed to my sense of belonging and pride in being part of such a unique and supportive environment.
Even on the most challenging days, I feel the strength of this community lifting me up. Whether it was a kind word from a teacher, a smile from a classmate, or the collective joy of a pep rally, I constantly feel surrounded by people who want me to succeed.
Now, as I look forward to the spring semester and all the new memories it will bring, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunities to learn, explore, and grow. I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve built and the moments that have shaped me. Most of all, I’m grateful to be at a school like St. Agnes, where every day is an opportunity to discover something new about the world – and myself.
High school can be intimidating, but at St. Agnes Academy, it’s an adventure filled with fun, laughter, and endless possibilities. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, and I’m so thankful to call this community my home as a high school freshman.
- As you navigate your time at St. Agnes, we invite you to find support from the Student Support Services and take advantage of the Wellness program our school offers. Use our helpful resources to get the most out of your time on campus!
