When facing the stressful reality of high school, many students find comfort in the fact that it does not always have to be conquered alone. A helping hand is just what many students need in their introduction to the new fast-paced world of high school. Oftentimes, this help comes in the form of an older sibling who is ready to conquer any fears held by the freshly fourteen-year-olds as they begin their new chapter. However, in true older sibling fashion, there comes a time when they move to the next stage, leaving the “babies” of the household to find their way without their familial forerunners. This new experience is scary, as no longer having a role model or ride to school presents some daunting challenges for many students at North Atlanta.
One big challenge specific to North Atlanta is navigating the campus. Although the eleven-story structure can be intimidating from the outside, after a year or two most students become acclimated, especially with the help of older siblings. Junior Tenley Vassar used to have her brother’s assistance but has recently had to adjust to finding her own way. “Last year I didn’t have to worry about when important events were because my brother was my built-in reminder system during the day,” she said. “Now, I have had to become more aware of what is happening so I do not miss anything significant.”
While many are lucky to have some sort of guidance, a few of the newest Warriors have begun this journey all on their own. Remembering to balance schoolwork and free time can be difficult, but it is important to find a happy medium between the two. Freshman Lily Pileggi has made it work, as her older sister, Isabel, was able to give her the inside scoop before she took off for college. “I wish that my older sister were here to remind me where my classes are and how to sign up for clubs,” she said. “But seeing her spend hours on homework while still enjoying the fun parts of North Atlanta has given me a good image of the duality of high school.”
Many teenagers have a competitive dynamic with their brothers and sisters – a rivalry that does not stop at school. In classic little-sibling nature, many younger siblings feel compelled to compete with their older siblings, whether it be academically, socially, or athletically. AP World History teacher Caitlin Tripp has noticed many of her sophomores finding extrinsic motivation from surpassing their predecessors. “Kids place so much emphasis on their performance in relation to older siblings,” she said. “However, any teacher worth their salt will focus on individual strengths to ensure a positive environment.”
Although high school can undoubtedly create a competitive and challenging environment, many younger students are discovering their ability to figure things out on their own. After some time to adapt, they will surely conquer all of the challenges that high school presents and independently discover the amazing experience North Atlanta has to offer.
