Moving to a new school is like wandering into a new territory, an unknown land, which is always frightful yet still somehow thrilling. The transition is similar to a Blue Jay going into a newfound tree, or a new “house.”

Similar to the Blue Jay, I was entering a new house. The Freshman Success Academy was considered one of my homes. A school is comparable to the house you live in numerous ways. The people in both are people you will remember, there are bonds that are inseparable, and are expected to be responsible.

To feel as though a school is a “home” shows that it means something to you, and you have to have a place in it. Blue Jays do not live in the same homes their whole life, they go from home to home. Once again I was going to relate to a blue jay, I was going to a possible new home.

Switching from the FSA to the CAC was like moving my home. To help make this move smooth and simple, you have to know some key things. Personally, my transition was smooth, but there are some key things to know in order to avoid chaos.

You need to know that every student is different, and thus every student learns differently. Other things you need to know are that JCHS is diverse with many different people to meet and talk to, relationships with teachers are important, and the school is split into academies.

You need to make a place for yourself in the school in order to enjoy your experience at the CAC. Making a place does not necessarily mean being “popular.” Making a place means getting involved. JCHS offers many sports and clubs, ranging from football to anime club. Find the club or sport that fits you and get involved. When you’re involved it makes your high school experience more enjoyable, since you are learning while doing what things appreciate.

Don’t get lost in the crowd, focus on your academics above everything which will benefit you most. Avoid slacking off or brushing off your grades. I remained determined and got a 4.0 and continue to have one to this day. The key to maintaining your grades is to surround yourself with positive people and people who have similar goals as you do.

Another key to making your transition smooth is to find a teacher that you can get close to. A good relationship with your teachers lets them understand how you learn and may help you better understand what it really is they are teaching. I found that teacher at the FSA. That was communications teacher Linda Powers, she helped me understand who I really was and how I wanted to go through my high school experience. This year I have a good relationship with my teachers which helps me a lot.

Something special to the CAC that is not found at most schools is the academy structure. These academies are BIT, FAHS, and SET, which are pathways to future careers and career fields. BIT stands for Business Information Technology, SET stands for Science Engineering Technology, and FAHS stands for Fine Arts and Humans Services.

When entering the CAC, it is a good idea to have an idea of what you want to go into as a career because the pathways will direct you. The pathways also help you to take the classes you need in order to prepare you for college and the career field of your choice.

When making the transmission don’t be afraid. There are many things for you to do and JCHS diversity ensures that you will find people like you. The key tips above will benefit you and should be known in order to help you transition smoothly. Every student is different, however, these are the keys I utilized to make the move from the FSA to the CAC smooth and simple.