Advice for Highschool Freshman
I crawled my way through the first year of high school so I thought I could give some tips ive picked up. Clichè as some of these are, it’s what I’ve learned. I had a lot of anxiety and I didn’t know what to expect so if you’re in the same boat I was, stick around 👉😎👉
Part 1: First day(s) of highschool
Buy the basics and adjust as you go. I bought I think 5 or 6 notebooks. Don’t do that. buy ~2 because every teacher has a different teaching method.Also get a pack of loose leaf.
Go the first day with simple things. Show up with a small backpack (or some kind of light bag) with only a notebook and some pencils. You’re probably gonna get some forums so use the book as a kind of folder. Dress comfortable and light clothes because best to not come uncomfy.
Part 2: School work, grades, etc
Learn to work efficiently. Have a clear plan of what you’ll do homework wise and study wise. Try out different ways. Procrastinating is inevitable but don’t let it drag on. If you don’t get the hang of things now it won’t get easier.
June. Will. Be. Hell. Obviously I’m exaggerating but it was hell for me. Sure there’s summer break in just a bit, but before that, EXAM TIME. Try to start reviewing some of your harder subjects in May. Try to knock your work ethic out of the park the last two months.
Clubs aren’t dumb. You should try them. Take up something new and see if it interests you. Don’t force yourself, but don’t keep yourself back. Outside of your work, it’s important to try and have fun in high school.
Part 3: Social Life
Don’t overthink social situations. If you’re going from middle school to high school, the biggest changes when it comes to students is age. So don’t be intimidated by the older grades. Don’t treat them differently b/c of their age. Don’t go out of your way to impress them but don’t shy away.
Don’t get peer pressured. Do things because you want to, not because people think you should. The only reason why you should change something people tell you to is if it’s hurting others or yourself.
Drama is useless. I never got involved but all it does is make up white noise in a conversation. It only hurts the people involved. Be the bigger person, leave personal lives alone, and don’t make a big deal about super tiny things.
Being popular shouldn’t be a priority. Social hierarchies are useless. Being popular is a shallow concept because it’s based on the three most useless things about a person (Looks, number of friends, and money) A student’s a student no matter what.
Keep an open mind about people. Let people do what they want. Don’t assume they’re a bad person from their hobbies or the way they act. As long as it’s not hurting anyone be kind towards as many strangers as you can (hint: that’s how you make friends)
Don’t be a pushover. Stand up and stay beside what you think is right. There may be people that try to take advantage of doormats. If you’re getting bullied, don’t try to take it in silence. Be loud and clear about what you want. You make your own path.
Part 3: Dating
Please don’t date seniors. It is never a good idea. Seniors themselves aren’t bad, but the types that want to date freshman just wanna get in your pants. There is a difference between being friends with seniors and dating them. A BIG FUCKIN DIFFERENCE. They’re at a different level of maturity than you, that’s just how it is. It doesn’t work out and it won’t work out.
You’re not forced to date, but don’t be cynical about it. Sure high school relationships won’t last, but life doesn’t either on the larger scale. Just try to keep it to like 15-16 yr olds. Also don’t stay just for the sake of not hurting them. You have to rip the band-aid off. And you might have the band-aid ripped off you, too.
NO ASKING OR SENDING NUDES. Just don’t. It’s illegal and only douchbags want them. Doesn’t matter if it’s your best friend from childhood or someone you’re madly in love with or both. Even if you think they’re trustable emough not to share it accidents do happen. Never a pretty sight. If you still ignore this, at least don’t put your face in it.
Part 4: Emotions and feeeelings
Emotional distress doesn’t last forever. Teenage emotions do this neat little trick of making you feel helpless. Don’t lose hope that things won’t become normal again, whatever it may be. Think it out, and over time you’ll be able to figure things out.
Logic out emotional decisions. There may be situations where you want to do something because you’re filled with a strong emotion (whether that’d be anger, depression, adrenaline, etc.) You have to take responsibility for what you do.
Counselors are a great resource, but they can be hit or miss. If you’re feeling distressed about anything, counselors will help. You deserve to talk to one about your problems and you’ll never be a burden. Although, don’t take their advice as solid rules for dealing with your problems. Look up online helplines if you need to talk things out with someone.
Things will change. Don’t freak out. This may be who you’re friends with, people around you, or maybe something about yourself. Take it as it comes, see if it feels right, and continue moving forward. High school is about growing and figuring things out.
Be approchable in class to make friends. Don’t be anxious, try to stay positive, and be confident in class (because that’s where you’re likely to make friends) and also don’t be afraid to ask the person beside you for help. And big side note, don’t judge others so hard.
Well, that’s all I can think of. Remember: You’re capable of handling it. It’ll go by fast if you enjoy it and work hard enough. Focus on grades, be nice to everyone, don’t let yourself get carried away, make smart decisions. You got this!
