The Freshman Code: You are not cool, but you are not annoying, unless you make yourself. Honestly the seniors do not care about you, they will say things but they will stay out of your way as long as you stay out of theirs. Don’t go around thinking that you “rule the school” and everything will be fine. Bottom line: Stay in your lane.
Prepare yourself accordingly. Freshman year you will most likely overpack, it completely normal. By the middle of year you will see you only need a notebook, some folder, and a couple of pencils.
Comfort is key. Its cool to dress cute, but don’t overdress and end up being super uncomfortable. You’re in school for a long time each day, try to find something that works with your schedule.
Know your school. If you’re moving into a new building its always smart to get to know the area before school starts. Go with your friends a couple of days before school starts and run your schedules. Look for places where you guys will meet up/get picked up and common places like the bathrooms, nurse offices, and the main school office.
Grades do matter. Lots of people say that hey “______ year is blow-off year!” for colleges, no year is blow of year. They will look at all your grades and they wont take sympathy for you if you were a straight A student and then “suddenly drop”. This doesn’t mean that you should cry about not having your homework or failing a test/quiz. Just work on your overall semester grade and you will be fine.
Looks are not so important. Don’t stress over looking perfect all the time. Everyone has off days and no one will care if you don’t wear makeup, or wear leggins and sweatshirts everyday. Just be happy with yourself.
Things will change. You are going to loose friends, make friends, change interests, goals, etc.. Don’t feel like you have to stay the same (in any way) because that will end up bringing you down. Change is good!
Join clubs/activities! Joining clubs or certain classes with any particular interests will help you make more friends, while you’re doing something you like. Its the easiest way to meet people who are into the same things you are.
SLEEP. Sleep is so so important. If you don’t sleep enough it will affect your academic performance and your health. Make time to get in as much sleep as you can.
Keep your essentials. It varies for everyone, mine are my phone/charger/headphones, gums/mint, a little bit of money, ID, car/home keys, Advil, pads/tampons, snacks.
Throw away negative people. If you feel like anyone is bringing you down or making you feel bad about anything that makes you happy, drop them. Don’t feel bad about it either, just try to make your experience the best you can.
These will most likely not be the “best 4 years of your life”. High school is tough, there is lots of changes with you and the “environment” around you. You will feel lost at times, sad/angry, etc… You can make it, but don’t feel like you’re “losing” because you’re not having a blast.
Manage your stress. Things get really stressful really easy, try to find something that keeps you entertained and happy. Something like working out, yoga, reading, art, photography, etc… There is also tea that helps!
Take care of yourself. Try to eat right, exercise, and overall take care of your body. Make sure to try and keep yourself in top condition.
Don’t be the annoying kid who doesn’t have anything and always asks for stuff, it’s annoying and people are going to start avoiding you, come prepared.
Friend your teachers. This will help you out a lot because they will try and help you out when you have grade problems, or maybe want some extra credits. Plus its a lot easier to be comfortable in a classroom when you know the teacher.
Try and be open! I know its difficult (I’m super shy myself) but try to be out going and friendly, people will then be drawn to you and it will help you be happier overall. Be open to new people, ideas and things.
The counselors are there to help. They will help you a lot around the school and any academic areas, and also if you ever have personal problems. Sometimes its easier to talk to someone who doesn’t really know you.
Make the best of it. School sucks a lot of times (most times for me anyway) but there is lots of fun memories and experiences that come along with it. It a part of life so just try to enjoy it as much as you can!
