By River Tham
A new year has begun at Tempe Preparatory Academy, bringing new students along with it. Although many students admit having been anxious on the first day, they all agree that they felt well-adjusted and accepted by the end of the week. Killian Blizzard, one of the new ninth graders, claims, “I’ve about already established myself here at TPA. I’m starting to make my own friends instead of following around those I knew before. I’ve made the effort to meet every freshman. ”
Many of the new students have found it very easy to talk to people and gain friends. “TPA’s atmosphere doesn’t make me feel nervous, but makes me feel like I can talk to anybody and not be scared of anything,” says Perla Pasillas, a freshman new to TPA. “I feel like I can be a bit more myself now because I have some friends I didn’t have before.”
In addition to making new friends, students have already begun considering taking part in and joining extracurricular activities. “I want to join lots of clubs so I can break out of my shell,” Perla explains. Another freshman, Faisal Omar says “I’ve joined clubs like French and Speech and Debate.”
Homecoming and the upcoming Freshman Catalina trip already mean a lot to new students. “I greatly look forward to the freshmen’s biology trip to Catalina! I very much look forward to homecoming and future dances!” Killian exclaims.
Many of the new students discussed how TPA will affect their future college and career opportunities, as it has challenging all-honors classes and a high number of scholarship graduates. “All I knew was that TPA was a challenge. A challenge that once cleared, could get you anywhere in life,” Killian says.
Most students do admit that TPA is much different from any other school they’ve ever attended — in terms of both education and community. “My old school didn’t really try to help you if you were failing; there was always drama and bullies,” Perla admits, when asked about how TPA compares to her old school. “TPA is all honors classes so I will be challenged unlike other high schools. That’s always a good thing, especially for the future.”