By Tyler Chavez – News Editor

Jonathan Law’s freshman class recently took part in a seminar aimed to help them adjust to high school life.

The seminar also covered topics such as athletics, academics, extracurricular activities, and school spirit.

“I think this seminar encouraged the freshman to approach challenges in and outside the classroom with a positive mindset,” history teacher Mr. Young said.

The seminar covered multiple topics such as school activities, adjusting to life at Law, and meeting new people. Juniors and seniors talked to freshmen about athletics, academics, clubs, and school spirit in groups.

“I liked how we got to introduce ourselves to other people,” freshman Jillian Hall said.

The freshman seminar has evolved from the freshman academy to be only a day long including a cookout at the end compared to the previous multi-day model.

“The freshman seminar/academy has shifted from a set of academic preparation and goal-setting objectives to objectives that focus on helping students become a part of the JLaw community,” science teacher Mrs. Mercaldi said. “This was done by encouraging a shared mindset, participation in extracurricular activities, and being an inclusive population of people rather than exclusive.”

Freshmen have found the adjustment to high school life fairly simple. Support from other members of the school has made the change smoother.

“The first week of school was confusing but it was really fun and the students and staff really helped me out,” freshman Riley Pastor said.

Freshmen have noted how the positive, helpful attitude of other students and faculty have made them more comfortable and not as scared.

“Everyone is actually really nice,” freshman Edrianah Martinez said. “I only got lost a couple times but whenever I asked for help they actually pointed me to the right place.”

The freshmen took away valuable information regarding being involved in multiple activities and balancing clubs and sports.

“I was eerie about joining clubs because of sports,” Martinez said. “But they said that you could join clubs and go to sports a little later by talking to your coach.”

Faculty members hope that the experience of the freshman seminar has helped prepared them for Jonathan Law and has made them more aware of what they can accomplish.

“I hope they are aware of the number of opportunities they have to be involved in with the school and the community,” Young said.

After the seminar, the freshmen were treated to a cookout lunch near the football field with burgers, hot dogs, and snacks.

“My favorite part was the enthusiasm that was brought to each block of the seminar,” Young said. “It was a great representation of what it’s like to be in the Law community.”

The Jonathan Law community has opened its arms to the freshmen class. The praise of the seminar by freshmen show that they learned valuable lessons and feel welcome at Jonathan Law.