As the flood of the class of 2014 began to embrace AHS, they also had to embrace AHS’ Freshman Transition program on collaboration days.

While upperclassmen have the opportunity to sleep in a little later than usual, freshmen are guided to their appointed destinations.

I had to participate in the freshman transition program last year, and personally found it as a big help to be able to balance my work.

Collaboration provides all freshmen with many handouts on studying tips, college tips and other helpful tips. During the various meetings, counselors take advantage of the time and use every minute to ensure that all students receive the full experience.

They do a variety of activities that liven up the class so that all will be able to participate.

Some may find the program very inefficient and boring, but they have not yet truly appreciated the help provided by Fairfax County Public Schools.

Most schools don’t have this program and some students suffer because they have not been provided with the proper guidance.

Whether some students decide to pay attention or not depends on them. I believe that it is the students’ responsibility to take these meetings seriously and try to make the best out of them. Although meetings may seem long, it is all worth it to be able to learn about the International Baccalaureate program and to become familiar with courses that interest you.

Counselors supply students with test taking tips, ways to prepare for college and problem solving skills. They also try to get guest speakers to come talk to students about bullying, cyber-bullying, sexting, alcohol and drug abuses. Students are able to learn from these meeting by not only school-related issues, but other personal issues that some might be struggling with.

This time also helps counselors interact more with their assigned students. Students are able to participate and converse with fellow classmates about grades, tests and other concerning factors.

Adjusting to high school can be a great challenge. As many teachers have recognized this, they developed a new tactic to smoothen the transition.

I believe that it had helped my transition from middle school to high school. The harder courses, the longer homework and the more application needed to be able to get good grades can take a toll on some people.