By Whitney ’31
Starting seventh grade at Harvard-Westlake has been such an exciting and amazing experience. In just a few short months, I have already learned so much, and met so many new friends. Admittedly, the first days felt a little overwhelming, because I was still learning how to navigate around campus, and settling into my classes. But a few months in, and I’m really starting to find my place here at HW.
Before school started, I was full of excitement, anticipation, and a lot of curiosity. I couldn’t wait to begin cross country, a sport I’ve always loved but had taken a year off from after moving to LA from Lake Tahoe. The school I attended the year prior didn’t offer the sport, so I was nervous to see if I still had my legs under me. I was also looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends, but this was my third school in three years, so I was used to being open to new groups, which is exactly what I did.
I’ve really enjoyed my classes so far, especially history and science. In history, it’s fun to walk into the classroom every day knowing we’ll be learning something new about our country and government. Science is another one of my favorite classes because it’s so interactive. Whenever I go to science, I am stoked because it is very hands-on and we get to do a lot of very cool experiments.
Outside of class, joining cross country has been one of the best parts of my HW experience. The practices are often hard but at the end of the day it feels like an award that I earned. The meets are my favorite part of the season because I get to really put the skills I have learned to work and do well for my team. Even though running can be tough, it feels amazing to be part of something where everyone encourages and supports each other.
This year at HW, I ran for Student Council. Sadly, I didn’t win. At my old school, I also ran for president but I didn’t get it. That has taught me to not give up and to run at HW. I also became a Student Ambassador because at my old school I really enjoyed being a Student Ambassador there, so I decided to be a Student Ambassador at HW. Being a Student Ambassador at HW has been an amazing experience for me.
Meeting new friends was another highlight from my first weeks of school. My friends are kind, funny, and super fun to hang out with. What I love most is that my friends are so open. When I first started, they didn’t even know me, but they still invited me to sit with them and helped me feel included. Now, we laugh together, and eat lunch together.
Looking back, I can already see how much I’ve grown since the first day of school. I’m learning how to manage my schedule, stay organized, and balance academics with after-school sports and activities. I have also learned that HW will always support you, whether it is playing a sport or being a student ambassador. My first weeks of Harvard Westlake were amazing and it is something I will always remember.
