Starting high school can feel like entering a whole new world. I should know, I was just a freshman not long ago. But honestly it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. If I could go back in time and give myself some advice, there are a few things I’d say, but since I can’t I’m just gonna share some of that advice with you, think of this as a guide. This guide is here to help you get through the high and lows of high school.
First. It isn’t as scary as it sounds or feels. You won’t get thrown into any lockers or have your books thrown to the ground by seniors but it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Go to orientation and take a tour of the school, especially if you have no idea where your classes are as it will save you a lot of stress when your first day comes as the school can seem really big at first and it can be easy to get lost. If you do, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also write down all your classes so you don’t forget them and get familiar with campus.
Second. Get involved in clubs, sports, and other activities. It is a great way to make new friends with the same interest as you. It’s one of the things I wish I would’ve done but also make sure not to overload yourself. Maybe join 1-2 clubs. It can help you find your community, looks great on college applications, and can create lifelong friendships.
Third. High school is a step up compared to middle school, especially academically. Before high school I would never really study and didn’t have a lot of work so it can feel overwhelming at first but once you learn how to manage your time and study smarter it becomes a lot easier. There are many methods and ways to study so do your research and find which one best suits you and helps you retain the most information, instead of wasting your time by just writing stuff down, unless that’s what works best for you.
Fourth. In high school, you might lose friends and make new ones and that’s okay. Everything happens for a reason, so don’t be worried about it. If you are looking to make friends, say hi to classmates, join a club, or sit with someone new at lunch. People aren’t as rude as you think so don’t be scared. Don’t be afraid to walk away from people who pressure you, make fun of you, or make you feel small. Friends are supposed to support and respect you. It’s better to be a loner and at peace than be with people who make you feel bad about yourself or change you for the worse.
Fifth. Take care of yourself outside of school as it can become stressful and overwhelming real quick having to manage school and a social life. Make sure to get 8 hours of sleep every night, eat healthy foods, be active, and take breaks when needed.
Sixth. You might lose a friend, fail a test, get lost, or do something embarrassing but don’t sweat it. That’s just a part of life and trust me when I say, people will move on quickly so you shouldn’t worry about it, just laugh it off. Learn from your mistakes and grow from them, now you know what you need to change or focus on whether it is academically or personally.
Highschool can be scary and I’m not gonna lie, hard sometimes but it’s full of opportunities. Make new friends, be open, get involved, and try out new things. It’s just your first year so don’t worry about it, it’s just a fresh start and a chance to figure yourself out and grow. So walk with your head high, breathe, and trust yourself. I believe in you. Good luck, and enjoy the ride.
