Things I Wish I Knew Before My Freshman Year
Okay, this is a memo from a couple months after I finished my freshman year and of course, I added some extra tips that I have learned over the years.
1.) I wouldn't use a locker, just because I carry only my essentials and I don't really have a use for a locker, but if your school doesn't have team locker rooms for your sports equipment, then I would recommend using your locker. Nor is there really time for students usually to get their belongings out of the locker and out to class in time.
2.) The upperclassmen don't really care about you since they have college and stuff, but this is also an example of what you should do in the future. So do pay attention to how they are and what they’re doing because if you learn how to study from an upperclassman, you’ll probably be able to get through freshman year without much hassle!
3.) If you're worried about classes, you'll most likely be separated from your friends. Harsh, I know but take this as an opportunity to make friends and get involved. This was especially easy for me, but I have made a lot of new friends that are always there if I missed a class or couldn’t understand an important assignment!
4.) Take chances to make friends and get involved not only because colleges and university will appreciate them on your application, but also because you will make some hilarious and embarrassing memories. I joined a sport at my high school (crew), and I made so many memories with my friends there, and I am proud to say that I did enjoy doing a sport in high school even if maybe the water was my biggest fan.
5.) Care about classes because when you mess up with perhaps a C or lower, it is tough to bring your grades back up. Also, try and keep a healthy and friendly relationship with your teachers because that is so beneficial when you need them to write you college letters of recommendation. I let loose a little bit at the end of my junior year, and so because of that, I spent the summer trying to pick it back up.
6.) Go to pep rallies, dances, games, or go out for a sport or a club. In my second year of high school, I went out for our rowing team, and I had such a great time, I put in the work and honestly, some people weren't the most welcoming, but I had friends, and I made friends that made my season so worth it!
7.) Don't be mean or rude or annoying, although you are a freshman. Remember that you are not God, nor do you really have a standing in the school, so stay in your lane but don't be afraid to spread your interests out!
8.) Take classes online: I took Personal Finance and Physics online, so if you live in my county, these are not a good idea if you expect to learn from them alone. I had to put in a lot of work for Physics because my teacher wasn’t a good source and the powerpoints had wrong information in them. So do beware these are basically self-study courses!
9.) This is to any freshman, senior (men/women) really don’t like you for your personality, so do beware. Not every senior is like that, but I have warned you.
To those going to high school, I wish you good luck because high school brings out the worst and the best in you. These years are when you realize your interests and passions, and if you don’t, that’s okay! Life is the biggest mystery, and you’ll have a grand time figuring it out! Stay beautiful and fresh with these last few weeks of summer and do reply with any tips for freshmen that you found helpful or ask for tips on specific subjects too!