As we begin the new school year, I’ve decided to reflect on the years prior, hopefully giving insight to the Freshmen that have just started high school. I had come from Live Oak K-8, a small school in Potrero Hill, and it was all I knew. When I arrived at Stuart Hall, I was in an environment where I didn’t know almost anyone. I was super skinny and had long Covid hair. After the first few months, Covid really prevented my ability to make new friend, and I had some doubts about the future. But I tried to embrace some of the activities and culture that the school offered. I went to Barclays, signed up for trips, and played sports I had never before. These spaces allowed me to meet new people, but also allowed me to grow, gaining values of teamwork, hard work, and reflection. Ayden Arcillas, class of 2024, when asked about his past years said “I was nervous at first when walking through the doors of Pine and Octavia but because of the welcoming environment at the Hall, these four years went by so quickly”. My advice to the Freshmen of Convent & Stuart Hall would be to be yourself, but also to allow yourself to grow and learn from others while you’re at this Sacred Heart Community. Your teachers, advisors, peers, and coaches all offer something new and the values of this school encourage that we listen.