The journey into high school starts with more than just new faces for ninth graders; it’s also about discovering which classes feel like a perfect fit for their talents and interests. Freshman year encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and explore subjects they might not have considered before. What classes do the students like the most? OHS 9th-grade students give their opinions on the class they enjoy most, and what they don’t.
Freshman year sets the foundation for students’ success with a mix of core classes, electives, and opportunities. Teachers also play an important role in guiding freshmen through this transition, offering support and encouragement along the way.
For many students, electives are usually the favorite classes, like art, music, and language classes. “My favorite class is foundation arts. I really enjoy painting in that class and the class is really fun, but I don’t like it when we don’t get to paint,” said Nincy Martinez.
Another class most students tend to enjoy is the gym because it’s fun, active, and it also gives them time to be social with their friends. “Gym is my favorite because I like being able to move around. I think the most difficult part is doing the pacer. It is very tiring, and it’s my first class on G days,” said Misa Long.
While some students like getting a break from core classes, others are interested in the details of biology, like learning about the human body and wanting to dissect frogs. “I have honors biology as my first class on B days, and it’s my favorite because I have many friends in it, and when I get good grades, it helps me to be motivated to keep learning. For me, the most difficult part is keeping up with my teacher,” said Janet Nguyen.
Biology is a very important class because it explains life and has real-world connections. “I love to learn about science and how life works, which is why biology is my favorite class,” said Marshall Lopez. “My favorite part of class is being able to do group work so I’m able to talk with others. When I’m not in school, I like to go on walks to check everything out.”
Biology helps you see the world differently, and it can even help with personal health. If you want to be a doctor, veterinarian, or anything else in science, being skilled in biology is the first step. “I like honors biology because it teaches complex things that I enjoy learning about. Having this class gives me pride by knowing I am the smartest I can be. Something I’ve learned about myself in this class is that I am a capable, fast learner. My favorite part is learning vocabulary. I think the homework I get helps because it provides review at the end of the day and gives a boost of energy,” said Julio Ramirez Lue.
Whether it’s any of those classes, every freshman has that one class that makes the day a little better. No matter which class that is, these experiences help freshmen discover their passions and strengths early on. Finding a class that excites and motivates them can make a big difference in their confidence and overall success throughout high school. As students continue to explore new subjects and develop new skills, they’re building the foundation not only for their education but also for their future careers and personal growth.
