Advice to new high school freshmen
The transition from middle school into high school can seem formidable, especially because most students spend a large portion of their elementary and middle school life hearing about how important high school is to the rest of your life. High school can appear like a dark, looming thundercloud threatening to engulf our childhood in college applications, SAT/ ACT prep and classes that teach us things (mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!) that seem to be irrelevant to our future.
Freshman year isn’t so different from middle school, though it requires more schoolwork in shorter amounts of time. I’ve already learned some things I wish I had known when I entered the ninth grade:
Don’t wait until the last moment to do your work. It might’ve worked in middle school, but starting your work early will prevent stress.
Take detailed notes and ask questions if necessary. Look things up online and watch informative YouTube videos or do anything you can do to make the topic easier for you.
Be as kind as possible to everyone. Words have power, and things like gossiping and spreading rumors can be toxic and harmful.
Caring about your grades and obsessing over them are two different things. Take care of yourself: Drink water, get eight hours of sleep, and every weekend do something for your own happiness — whether it’s reading or taking a walk. It’s also OK to take a couple of mental health days off from school.
Participate in school events, volunteer activities and internships. Pick up some new hobbies and learn something new. Some of these things you learn might help you for the rest of your life.
It’s OK to say no — you’re not being mean, you’re taking care of yourself. Which means it’s also OK for other people to say no to you — they’re taking care of themselves, too.
Don’t forget to have fun. Spend time with your friends, go to school dances and events, enjoy the field trips and breaks, and try to spread happiness, because even though high school can be a difficult time, it’s also one of the most memorable experiences of our lives.