A Fresh Perspective: Class of ‘30

This September, over 800 bright-eyed freshmen climbed up the bridge and walked through the double doors of Stuyvesant to begin their first year of high school. After months of studying for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), these students must now adjust to Stuyvesant’s high-pressure environment. However, this year’s freshmen also bring hopes and goals for their high school journeys.

For many freshmen, the journey to Stuyvesant began months before the first day. To be admitted into Stuyvesant, students had to prepare for and take the SHSAT. Freshman Mahnoor Fatima recounted her experience: “I studied for three months before the test for around three hours every day when I got home from school.” After being admitted to a competitive, rigorous school like Stuyvesant, the Class of 2030 can see that their efforts and dedication have definitely paid off.

After test results and school acceptances were released, students made the milestone decision of choosing which high school to attend. For some, the decision was obvious. “I knew [Stuyvesant] was a really good school and it would allow me to do the best I possibly could academically. I was also enticed by the amount of clubs and activities that this school offers,” freshman Luke Holnagel described in an email interview. Stuyvesant’s prestige and opportunities are extremely compelling for many incoming students. 

For several students, the decision was an emotional one. Freshman Asumi Anderson recalled, through an email interview, the moment she found out she got into Stuyvesant: “I opened the email… and burst into tears. They were happy tears, but I was really surprised.” The single email determined the next four years of a student’s academic journey, and after months of preparation, the acceptance was extremely rewarding for the incoming freshmen. 

For others, the decision wasn’t as straightforward. “[I had] very mixed feelings—I was partially devastated I didn’t get into the same school as my friends but also glad that [the] hard work paid off,” freshman Bofan Liu shared in an email interview. The separation from close friends is a tragic reality of the transition to high school, but hopefully the freshman class will kindle even more friendships within the large and vibrant community of Stuyvesant.

Still, Stuyvesant’s infamous reputation precedes the first day of school, with common stereotypes including sleep deprivation, hours of homework, and other horror stories. However, freshman Luke Snuderl described a unique rumor: “I’ve heard that everyone here lives off of matcha.” Although the usual Stuyvesant beverage is a heavily caffeinated energy drink, perhaps matcha could be something to consider as fuel for all-nighters. As the freshmen will discover, every Stuyvesant student develops their own traditions, making the high school experience their own.

Some freshmen have already formed routines around the school. Stuyvesant has many rites of passage, and one of them is figuring out how to survive a 10-floor commute. Liu divulged her strategy: “I primarily use the escalators. You will never catch me willingly going down the stairs.” This resolve may be tested during the frequent escalator breakdowns, but these little habits are what develop freshmen into seasoned Stuyvesant students.

For many freshmen, Stuyvesant also demands a drastic transition in work ethic and presents many new challenges compared to simpler middle school environments. Holnagel explains the differences in academic pressure: “Middle school homework was very light, taking one hour at the very most… At Stuy, my homework load exceeds multiple hours, especially since I’m taking an AP, and the assignments aren’t as straightforward.” Stuyvesant’s challenging workload requires dedication and perseverance.

Although Stuyvesant’s intense academic environment can be overwhelming, its variety of clubs, sports, and classes offered allows students to find their own micro-communities. “I’m interested in psychology, so I’ll definitely be looking for clubs related to that at the Clubs and Pubs fair,” Fatima revealed. Through Stuyvesant’s extensive extracurricular activities, students can discover new passions, talents, and aspects of their identities.

Stuyvesant’s vibrant student community is a large part of why students choose the school. “I want to make new friends and improve myself at Stuy… There’s a lot of opportunities and a really supportive community here,” freshman Matthew Carlot explained. The academic year may be challenging, but the freshman class will have access to an extensive community of Big Sibs, staff, and upperclassmen to rely on. 

Several freshmen have tapped into the wisdom of their upperclassmen. Anderson recounted her experience: “One of my upperclassmen told me, ‘Never do your work at home, you’re not [going to] finish it.’ They were right—the one day I decided to study at home, I fell asleep on the couch as soon as I walked in. Definitely never making that mistake again.” The network of experienced students at Stuyvesant can provide crucial advice, though many lessons on productivity must unfortunately be learned the hard way.

Although adjusting to the unfamiliar academic and social environment of Stuyvesant may be a daunting task for incoming freshmen, the students are entering a community full of opportunity and like-minded individuals. To the Class of 2030: the next four years might not be easy, but they’ll be yours, so make them count.