9th Grade Recap

Liza Stunis, ‘22 and Oswald Wagenseil, ‘22

May 2019

The ninth grade this year was a very large and bright addition to Bard High School Early College. It was definitely very interesting taking notice of what everyone’s experiences were like and how their transition to not only a new school, but a high school, has been. Through our research, we’ve uncovered that everyone had varying experiences, and many of these people were willing to share said experiences. It was obvious that many students went through both hardships and joyous moments throughout the school year (both of which are worth mentioning.) These hardships and joyous moments formed very unique impressions of the school for the student body.

Some of the rather happy memories the students recollected were in association to their friend groups. One of the students we interviewed declared, “ So I have a lot of memorable memories but the three that I have to say that I like the most are first in the beginning of the year when I went to China town almost every Friday and then in the middle of the year where I went to restaurants almost every Friday again with friends ..” This particular student engaged in exploring things around Manhattan with his friends which helped him get through the inevitable pressures of school life. Another student said that it was very important to him that he found friends that he can rely on, “It has been stressful and definitely way different than any other school but also I’ve been able to get through it with my friends and I’ve managed to make the best out of it I think.” A lot of other students insisted that they learned the library was a safe place for them to go to when they needed to study or socialize. This student said that, “Staying in the library and chilling…” was a good option to get through his first year in BHSEC.

        It is also important to recognize that there were tough times throughout the year that the student experienced. A lot of the students that we interviewed insisted that there were times during the year when they stressed excessively and when they were worried about their grades. One of the students said, “ I got stressed a few times when I didn’t do much of a project and had it due in a hour or two.” Of course, these things happen no matter what grade you’re in and in no matter what school. Another student said, “ There were certainly a lot of moments when I thought the work was just too much but my teachers were there to help and so were the writing center and library when I needed them.”  This student also found the school resources to be much help in times of need.

        Overall, I’d say that the students had very diverse first year experiences at Bard. That said, many of the students gained friends pretty quickly here meanwhile others may have not found people who connect with them. A lot of the students also suggested that the upperclassmen are very welcoming and kind. They said that “that is how this school differs from many others. Students really feel connected and engaged and it shows…” I’d say incoming students feel safe and welcomed in Bard.