On September 5, 2024, HSMSE opened its doors to a new class of students who will change this school forever. Just like every group before them, the class of 2028 will spend their next four years at our wonderful school; they’ll eventually separate into tracks and, before you know it, graduate. Way before we get there, though, let’s see what they think after two months’ worth of impressions. 

First and foremost, many of the freshmen are surprised at our high school’s unique offerings: Here at HSMSE—unlike most high schoolers in America—we get to eat outside, buy food, and see college students go to their classes daily, although we may take all of this for granted. Mohamad Ahmed (’28) noted that “There’s a lot more freedom than I thought I was going to be given. Being allowed outside a lot—that’s something I didn’t expect from a high school.” 

Alongside this, students were impressed by the rigor of our specialized high school. Shyla Gullapa (’28) said she wasn’t expecting “how everybody here is so smart; everything is so advanced. It’s so different from my middle school, which was very easy, in my opinion.” Although students knew what they were getting into, they’re still surprised by the smarter-than-average student body. 

But, with this, when describing HSMSE, the word that comes to many freshmen’s minds is stress. Higher academic expectations mean more competent peers, but also potentially overwhelming work. Some students mentioned how their teachers made sure they were aware that high school matters for college applications, and now students have to be on their A-game. Jonah Benzeev Salopek (’28) remarked that high school “doesn’t feel as warm and cozy as middle school.” With more work, more classes, and more stress-inducing work, it’s no wonder many freshmen feel out of their depth.

Despite this stress, many students were surprised that our school doesn’t give as much work as they thought it would (though the work they do get is rigorous). Abigail Huang (’28), for example, found that the “homework load [was] not a lot.” Ryan Balfe (’28) added, “I could be jinxing it, but there hasn’t been a lot of homework.” Suffice to say, their opinion on this will change as they go through the years, but—at least currently—most stress is coming from thoughts of the future.

Our school does prioritize STEM, with one interviewee, Ryan, stating he was “more of a STEM kid,” so this school was good for him, but the specificity of some classes at our school still surprises students. Mohamad mentioned “The languages offered were most surprising; I did not expect German.” But with general surprise also comes some critique: Some students dislike our school’s freshmen-specific classes, saying that they didn’t see the point in them or that they prevented them from taking more rigorous classes.

But, overall, the new freshmen seem to find our school to be a nice environment, even if they’re not quite settled in yet, they’re still excited to be here. Shyla remarked “The vibe is pretty calm—everyone here is so nice and it’s just chill.” The physical environment of our school and student body builds hope in the students, like Mohamad, who said “It’s different from middle school, so it’s just a little shocking, you know?” and that despite some shortcomings, Ryan stated that “The year will get better.” 

The class of 2028 is just settling into its role in HSMSE’s community, and absorbing the distinctive campus, character, and overall what it means to be an HSMSE student for the first time. Their comments are a good reminder of the things we take for granted at HSMSE; we are so lucky to be at a school with such a vibrant community and free spirit. Good luck to the class of 2028!