By Natalie ’24
New school + high school + pandemic = a whole lot of fun. Coming into Harvard-Westlake as a new ninth grader, my expectations were, honestly, quite low. I was already terror-stricken thinking about the infamously heavy homework load and unbearable difficulty of the classes at HW. Plus having to do all of it online and it being the first year of high school? Yeah, no thanks, I’m good.
However, reflecting back on my last couple months in school, I realize that there was truly nothing to be afraid of. These months have definitely not been as easy as middle school, and the homework load should not be described as light. That being said, it is certainly not the soul-crushing, tear-inducing, mountain of studying and sadness that some think it is. I can successfully juggle clubs, activities, and sports while still having time for Netflix and relaxation. Balanced success at HW is possible, as long as students study hard, manage their time, and aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it.
The teachers at HW are unlike that of any other school I’ve experienced. They are thrilled to help students, eager to meet with them, and actually answer their emails. Their classes, though over zoom, are still somehow engaging and challenging without being overwhelming. There have been times in class when I have looked at the document my teachers were screensharing and thought Huh?! Wait what are they talking about?, but by asking questions and persevering through those moments, ultimately everything begins to make sense.
The deans are also an amazing resource for new students. When I first began to choose my classes and think about the activities I wanted to participate in, they patiently answered the many random questions I had about the curriculum, activities, sports, and life at HW. With their help, I chose a schedule that I was excited about with electives that I was eager to start.
Another aspect of school that should not be overlooked is the social part. With online school, social interactions that happen naturally when walking down hallways or wandering campus are impossible. Though no substitute for the real thing, the deans and student government (the senators) have done a commendable job at community building and ensuring that the new ninth graders have the ability to meet people. Additionally, through activities like diving, robotics, and debate, I have met many great people that positively represent Harvard-Westlake’s vibrant community.
Though the start of the year was unorthodox, I’m excited to continue my journey at HW!
