My name is Britney Amankwah and I am the Managing Editor of The Greyhound News. I am a senior and this is my third year being part of journalism. I am also the secretary of Diversify, a student-led organization interested in promoting a love and collaboration of all cultures, races, and genders. 

After almost a year and a half of distance and hybrid learning, Naugatuck High School students have returned to full time in person learning. Distance learning was difficult and unfamiliar territory for everyone, so I’d like to give a shout out to students and teachers for overcoming the challenge. I’d also like to welcome everyone back into the building with the hopes of a new normal school year. 

For many of us, it is so much harder to learn at home with our cameras off. Being at school everyday forces us to be engaged, dedicated learners. 

The freshman class should have a more normal high school experience filled with events and traditions like a normal prom and graduation. I urge you to take advantage of everything. 

To send you into the year in a positive way, some seniors from the class of 2022 would love to share advice that we have learned throughout our high school journey. 

“High school goes by really fast even though it’s 4 years but have fun and don’t stress about the little things. That’s what the future after high school is for, “ said Shravani Daptardar, DECA president and tennis player. 

It feels like one day we were at the freshman orientation, getting lost in the building and the next day we were seniors filling out college applications and writing personal essays. One of the most important adjustments was learning how to balance life. We had to make sure we were studying and working hard in school, but also enjoying our lives. We didn’t want 4 years to pass and then realize we were filled with regret because we worked hard and didn’t have any fun. At the same time we didn’t want to leave all our school work and responsibilities behind. 

“Learning how to manage your time and get your work done will prevent high school from feeling overwhelming,” said Julia Kropo, a track and field athlete. 

As someone who struggles with procrastination, I can definitely say that there were plenty of times assignments piled up and I wished I would have done them earlier just to get it over with. Also, when trying to rush and do everything at once I’ve noticed the quality usually suffers more than if I had given myself more time. 

“My advice to freshmen is to build relationships with your teachers. Building these relationships can make class more enjoyable and you will have someone to turn to when you are having trouble with school,” said Hailey Almonte, former cheerleader and News Editor of The Greyhound News. 

It’s so important to have teachers we can trust and turn to for school and other personal issues. Shout to Mr. Carino for listening to me vent about everything that was going on in my life every B day as I waited for my bus and shout to Mr. Troy for giving me and Shravani a place to sit and talk when we didn’t have any work to do. 

“It’s important to ask teachers for help and not be afraid to voice your questions and opinions, “ said Genaya Cupidon, secretary of the Black Student Union. 

Being advocates for ourselves, especially when it comes to our education is crucial. Teachers can’t always tell when we’re struggling so we need to speak up, voice our questions, and sometimes see the teacher after class. 

“I had to remind myself a lot that even though I tried my hardest at times and failed, what matters the most is that I put in the effort,” said Tiffany Ngyuen, volleyball and tennis player. 

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that failure is normal. The only thing that matters is  trying our best. As humans we’re going to fail and make mistakes, but they’re necessary for growth. 

I hope that at least one piece of advice stands out to you. Good luck Class of 2025!