The freshmen, often called the “newbies,” each have their own exciting, nerve-wracking, and unique stories about their first months at Ukiah High School. From the moment they stepped into the halls, they’ve been hit with a whirlwind of emotions, many hard to express. To capture their experience, the Ukiah High News team spoke with members of the Class of 2028.
We began by asking, “How nervous were you stepping into a new place with new people and a new environment?” Logan Wilson admitted, “I was very nervous because I was scared of getting lost or walking into the wrong class.” Many freshmen can relate to the challenge of navigating unfamiliar hallways, meeting new teachers, and making new friends.
In contrast, Carter Lodin said, “I wasn’t very nervous because I know and get along with my peers. Being on the football team helps me stay involved with the school.” These responses show just how varied the freshman experience can be.
When asked, “How are you liking Ukiah High so far?” opinions were just as diverse. Todd Hulbert shared, “I’m liking Ukiah High a lot because I feel like I’m higher up, and it’s nice seeing more people.” Jonathan Fonseca took a different view: “I’m liking it, but it’s still school, and there’s only so much you can like about school.”
Next, we asked, “What are your highs and lows about Ukiah High?” Jaxon Thomas replied, “A high is probably the vending machines with good snacks, unlike my old school. A low is some of the teachers and how they act.” This answer raises questions about teacher-student dynamics and what improvements could be made.
Kendrah Anderson said, “A high for me would be the long breaks, lunches, and passing periods because I can get things done before class. A low would be my math and biology classes because I get tired in biology, and there’s a lot of work.” Her response highlights ongoing discussions about the balance between break times and academic demands.
Finally, we asked, “What challenges have you overcome so far?” Carter Lodin shared a personal triumph: “I’ve overcome a lot, mainly dealing with the hate I’ve gotten from people. But once we got to know each other, they saw the real me, and I realized I’m not that bad—a pretty genuine person.” This reflects the social challenges many students face.
Karina Altizen shared her biggest challenge: “The hardest thing I’ve overcome would be the classes. I was nervous at first, but it turned out not to be as bad as I thought.”
Class of 2028, the year ahead will have its ups and downs, but you’ve already shown resilience. Remember, there are many resources available, including staff members like Alicia Bainbridge, Adrienne Bakewell, Arisbeth Reynoso, Jacob Bainbridge, MA, LMFT, and Jose Arroyo. You’ve got this!
Cali O'Ferrall
Cali O'Ferrall is a freshman in the Ukiah High school journalism class. If you're not catching her at practice she enjoys snowboarding and hanging out with friends and family. She joined journalism because she enjoys being in the loop about relevant topics her mom also did journalism all of her high school years so she wanted to carry on the legacy. She is very optimistic and caring so shes always brings a good environment and makes people feel comfortable and welcome.