Similar to generations before them, the class of 2010 expects many challenges and many find out they are not alone in their fears.

?I expect lots and lots of work over the next four years,? Jackie Cowen said. ?Also to have fun and enjoy all the school activities.?

For many new high school students, goals and aspirations remain the same. However, for others, they transform to fit a more mature self.

?In junior high my goal was to have a fun time,? Tyler Combs said. ?My goal in high school is to still have fun, but focus more on grades.?

Combs is not alone in his focus on gettting good grades.

?When I was in junior high my goal was to have fun,? Kyle Hendrix said. ?In high school it is to work more and get better grades.?

Adjusting to the change between high school and junior high is positive for most of the new 9th graders.

?It?s nice that I don?t have to deal with the immature 7th graders in high school,? Ryan Aydelotte said. ?The 7th graders always annoyed me in junior high.?

Many depend on the support of friends to survive high school.

?Having a good circuit of friends has helped me a lot,? Jaclyn Blackwell said. ?They have given me support and kept me focused socially and on my school work.?

Aaron Kroeker was surprised that high school was more difficult than junior high but believes he has learned a lot from his favorite teacher, Tom McEntee, and that his faith in God will enable him to get through all struggles.

“My greatest challenge in ninth grade is to get good grades and to keep a good reputation,” Kroeker said. “I am nervous about what lies ahead but Mr. Mac has already taught me a lot in Bible class that I can use in life and I will trust in God to help me through the struggles as they come along.”

For some older students, the importance of Fresno Christian Schools is beginning to make an impact.

?In junior high I took Fresno Christian for granted,? Megan Ortiz, ’09, said. ?In high school I realized that our school is different from other schools because we get to learn about God.?

When thrust into a zone of four grades instead of only two, the class of 2010 is offered a chance to meet new people and make new friends. But even this opportunity also tests some of the freshman.

?It will be a challenge to get over being shy around new people,? Cowen said.

During periods of change, the fear of failure arises in the hearts of many; for others, the adjustment is a piece of cake. All agree that the prospect of four years with new teachers is a daunting and exciting prospect.

For more information on the freshman class, contact the high school office (559) 299-1695, ext. 5, or visit www.fresnochristian.com.