WEHS Upperclassmen Navigate Path for Freshmen

To introduce their peers to life as a Raider, “Raider Navigators” recently facilitated a Freshman Seminar at Wylie East High School.

Freshman Seminar is a seven-day freshman orientation class attended by all ninth-grade students to learn important information about being in high school.

“It gives ninth-grade students really valuable information to help them better understand high school and helps them to make better decisions,” Jessica Taylor, ninth-grade and CTE counselor said.

Serving as a mentor for the ninth graders, Raider Navigators joined teachers in classrooms of 25 freshman students to present material and answer questions. Raider Navigator Enima Odia received a boost of confidence at the final meeting with her class of freshmen.

“At first, I thought they low-key didn't like me,” Odia said. “Then on the last day, they asked if I could be their teacher again. I was like, ‘yea! They like me!’”

Composed of juniors and seniors, the Raider Navigators served as personal tour guides for ninth graders, offering essential insights on topics such as graduation requirements, class rank, GPA, tardy policies, spirit days, and the dress code.

“It’s all done on a volunteer basis because they want to help the next generation of Raider Nation,” Taylor said.

Raider Navigator John Olajimi said he believed the Freshman Seminar helped students grow and meet new people.

“In the beginning, kids naturally got into groups of people they knew,” Olajimi said. “Then, by the end, they started to intermingle with others. It was cool to see them build new friendships.”

Senior Jennifer Nguyen is a Raider Navigator Officer. She said her favorite part was seeing relieved faces at the end of the school day.

“It was rewarding to see that smile and know that I'm helping someone,” Nguyen said.

Junior Molly Cardoza realized the impact of the Freshman Seminar when her students expressed their appreciation.

“On the last day, the teacher asked the class to give us a round of applause,” Cardoza said. “It was so loud! I didn't know they appreciated us. Even the quiet ones were really loud!”

Freshman Seminar will reconvene after Christmas break, with Raider Navigators guiding the freshmen through their sophomore year, starting with building their schedules.