In the fall, hundreds of new
students will enroll at GA to begin their journey as a Patriot. While the
excitement on campus to welcome these new faces is palpable, we recognize that
it’s sometimes an intimidating prospect to make the transition to a new school,
even one as warm and welcoming as GA. In order to help ease our new students’
transition to GA, we’ve asked our PatChat writers, some of whom are navigating
their first year themselves, to offer advice and tips for our newest students
as they prepare to begin what promises to be another great year in the history
of Germantown Academy.
Common themes are to try new things,
meet new people, and to have fun.
Welcome to GA!
My
best advice would be to go into the new school year with an open mind willing
to try new things and meet new people. You never know what new interests you
will acquire throughout high school and in order to get the whole experience,
broaden your spectrum and take chances because you never know where these
chances will take you. Be the person to sit down at a lunch table with unfamiliar
faces and introduce yourself. You never know, they could become your best
friends. Be the person to try a new sport, you may end up really enjoying it.
Life is all about taking chances, let it start now.
Emmy D.
‘16
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| Emmy matriculated to the Upper School in 2012. |
Do Some “Research”
Almost all GA families have gone through the very same
process you’re experiencing right now. Together with the Admission Office, you
can connect with a current GA family and get any and all of your questions answered.
We also host admission events [like our New Family Welcome Reception, February 20].
Make use of technological-based research too! GA’s website has a ton of
information – it’s easy to spend several hours on the site! Our Twitter,
Instagram, and other social media pages accurately depict the school’s
goings-on. And, of course, PatChat is a great source of information directly
from students.
Get Involved!
GA has so many activities to choose from – sports, theater,
clubs, you name it. You can even start your own club. Consider trying out
several activities before you pick your favorite, which can be a difficult
process!
…but not too
involved. As a college preparatory school, GA is known for its rigorous
academics that really show results. Definitely pick some activities but don’t
stretch yourself too thin!
Embrace GA Culture
As one of the oldest communities in the country, we’re also
the strongest. We encourage you, as you enter the GA world, to fully immerse
yourself in our community. You’re guaranteed to build strong relationships that
will last a lifetime!
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| Though she'll be at NYU in the fall, Alli still enjoys her time in the Library. |
Alli L. ‘14
Entering
Middle School was both terrifying and thrilling at the same time. Middle School
is probably the best thing that has happened to me at GA. First of all the
freedom you gain is a shock but the amount of responsibility you are given
balances it out. Next, the opportunities that you get in GA Middle School, and
better yet the Upper School, are amazing. Becoming a student in Middle School
started a new chapter because I became the underdog again but the environment
only makes you feel that way for about a week.
Madison P. ’18
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| Madison is a "Real Lifer" at GA; she's been here since Pre-K. |
Applying to a new school can be a nerve wracking thing. I
applied to GA because my sister went here, she graduated in 2013. The other
scary part is the not knowing whether you were accepted. I am so appreciative that
I did and want to say congrats to those who just received their acceptance
letters! If you were like me and don't
know anyone, join a fall sport! Getting involved in activities is really the
best way to meet people, and since there’s preseason, you'll know kids before
the school year even starts. Everyone was so helpful and understanding, even
when I thought I was terrible. Though I knew none of them at first, I met some
of my good friends there. Becoming friends with just one person can introduce
you to all of their friends and that is how you get to know more people. Just
remember that you aren't the only new kid.
Sarina S. ‘17
Be Yourself
As corny as it sounds, it really is important.
Don’t Be Shy
I know it’s easier said than done but it makes making
friends that much easier. Everyone loves the person who can keep the
conversation going and avoid having those awkward moments of silence.
Join Some Clubs/Teams
Hands down one of the best ways to get used to a new school
is through activities. Whether it’s the Soccer team or the Belfry (Theatre
Club), doing something where your mind gets to forget about school and just
have fun is very useful. You’ll meet new people and you might even discover a
hidden talent.
Don’t Get Discouraged
When you first get to GA, you may find it hard and stressful
and I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. During my first year, some
projects discouraged me more than anything ever has, but I kept working and
school got easier.
HAVE FUN!
When you’re 35 and you look back at your high school times,
I can guarantee you won’t be thinking about the B you got on your history test,
or the time you didn’t do your homework for English. You’re going to remember
the fun stuff you did with your friends and family. I’m telling you not to get
caught up too much in your school work and getting into college and everything
else you’re going to have to do, and to make time for yourself to do the things
you want to do.
I hope these tips are helpful and I’m excited to see all of
you in a GA uniform sometime! Good day.
Gideon S. ‘15
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| Gideon has approved of GA since his arrival as a freshman. |
