It is no secret, Freshman year is hard.  You are in a whole new environment, probably shy, and likely uncomfortable with the whole thing.  Have no fear!  I can say with confidence that Bishop Brady provides all the tools needed for a smooth transition during that crucial 1st year.  Whether it be through sports, clubs, or the lunch line, upper and underclassmen interaction is a given at Brady.  For me, the Advisor system was one of the things that most helped me through my Freshman year.  The Advisor system works this way:  each student has a teacher advisor, whom they share with about 9 other kids (there are usually about 10-14 kids in each advisory).  Your advisory group meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before classes start, at which time you and your advisor can do everything from talk about the weekend to how to get extra help in Algebra!  Since advisories are mixed among all classes, they are just another great way to meet new friends.  Find a teacher that you really connect with, that's really cool?  Pick him or them as an advisor!  Bear in mind, however, that as a Freshman, you will most likely get assigned an advisor, but the longer you are here, the more your choices for an advisor will be considered.  Regardless of whether you chose the teacher or not, advisors are a great resource.  One last point; advisors are what you make them.  You can choose to come in every other day and sit in the back row and stare at the chalkboard until the bell rings, or you can talk to the advisor, ask them for advice or help, or start up a conversation with the other kids.  Personally, I've had a different advisor each year, and even with that ever-changing experience, its one of my favorite parts of the Brady community.  It's great to get to know teachers personally and to develop a friendly relationship with them.  And it is so valuable knowing that there is always at least one teacher whose door is always open, who is always willing to help, and who will look out for you.   Travis Lacouter, Class of 2009

"I left the Open House knowing this was the place for me; it just felt right."  Cuyler G.  Class of 2010

Now as a senior, I look back at all the things that I have done, all the people I have met, and all the lessons I have slowly learned.  Hear are some things that I know now, that could have helped to know as a freshman.

1. Be Yourself—on my first day of school as a freshman, I thought all the upperclassmen were looking at me.  I was really self-conscious.  Now, as a senior, I can say that that is not what upperclassmen do.  Just be yourself and do not worry what other people are thinking.

2. Get Involved—you might hear this all the time, but it is TRUE!  One of the easiest ways to meet people is through a club or a sport.  If you are worried about meeting new people, join one of the many extracurricular activities that Brady has to offer.

3. Change Happens—I was a person who hated change.  I thought I knew exactly who I was as a freshman and who I was going to be.  Now as a junior, I am just now finding out who I am.  High school is all about learning and many of the lessons you will learn are not from the classroom.  Just remember that change is a big part of high school and good things come from it.

4. Keeping Friends—I have met so many people in these three years and it is hard to imagine a day of school without them.  The important part is realizing that friendships change in high school.  Growing up does not have to mean growing apart though.  You never have to break a friendship in order to have different friends.    Carly David, Class of 2009

I bet you're all really excited to start high school.  You may have heard that there is so much pressure in high school and that it's really hard, but that's not how it works.  There isn't any pressure unless you make it to be that way.  Being nervous on the first day of school is natural and everyone feels that way.  Don't be afraid to make new friends; everyone can always use a new friend.  And, you can always look to your upperclassmen for help.     Meghan Weed, Class of 2011