Freshmen asked and Seniors answered: Caroline and Sara help freshmen using their experiences at Stone Ridge.
Here’s what freshmen said they most want to know about:
Question #1: What is your favorite tradition at Stone Ridge?
Sara: It is hard to pick one, but if I had to pick my favorite tradition at Stone Ridge it would be Feast Wishes. The joy surrounding the holiday season really comes into play with the Stone Ridge community during this amazing time full of singing, dancing, and pure happiness. To see everyone come together as one big family and embrace the spirit of Christmas is so special, and each year it always makes me so happy. It is such a great way to start Christmas break.
Question #2: Do friend groups change throughout the four years of high school?
Caroline: Yes, they definitely shift around and you learn what people you want to surround yourself with. Sometimes friend groups change from conflict but any drama I’ve had during high school has since fizzled out as we get older. As life altering as it feels in the moment, it helps you grow and learn to manage conflict, and eventually the drama always settles down.
Question #3: As a student-athlete, how do you find the perfect work-life balance?
Sara: Attending such a rigorous school like Stone Ridge, it is so important to maintain good grades while also competing as a high-level athlete, but it can be very difficult to find that balance. What I recommend is keeping yourself organized with a calendar or to-do list; being able to work ahead and know what you have coming up is a must with such a busy schedule. Another important tip is to use the free time we have during school wisely; sometimes you have to skip the weekend debrief at lunch to get ahead of homework.
Question #4: How do I find a boyfriend when attending an all-girls school?
Caroline: My advice is to prioritize connections and friendships: connect with boys you or your friends know from middle school. Any boyfriends (or just boys who are friends) that I’ve had in high school, I met through mutual friends or events like homecoming dances. You just have to put yourself out there. I would not expect to get a boyfriend your freshman year. Focus on building authentic friendships first, and then you’ll have friends to go on a double date with!
Question #5: How do you know what career you want to pursue?
Sara: Even as a senior, I still am not certain about my career, and that is perfectly okay! One thing I have learned about this is that you do not need to know what you want to do right now. High school is about learning about yourself and finding out what you really love. You will begin to have an understanding of what you really want to focus on as you get older, but it is perfectly okay not to know.
Question #6: What will be the hardest thing about leaving Stone Ridge?
Caroline: It will definitely be the community. I feel so blessed and happy to have such an amazing grade. I feel I can have a sit down conversation with anyone in my class, and I will miss that being in a much larger setting in college.
