sooo, last year (my freshman year) we had a whole day just for us 9th graders where upperclassmen showed us around, gave us tips, etc. i was also lucky enough to have a wild english teacher who didn’t teach much english, but she taught a us a bunch of other great things to make up for it. so i thought i’d share some tips. hope it’s helpful!
take classes that you want to take. don’t take what your parents want you to take and don’t take what your friends are taking just because they are. list out your future goals (career, education, etc.) and pick classes you think are interesting and will help you get to where you want to go.
make a four year plan because it honestly helps you so much. at my school, when the counselors took us around talked about requirements, etc. they kept stressing for us to make a four year plan. of course, no one did. and when it came time to make course requests for the next year, i had no idea what i was doing. sit down, pull up the list of classes that are offered (i got this in a huge packet), make a table, write down credit requirements, and list out some classes you want to take. of course, you won’t get to do everyone and you’ll probably have to do some you don’t want to, but it helps.
don’t forget about credit requirements, but don’t stress too much either. when it came time to request courses back in february, i was freaking out because i didn’t take an arts or practical arts credit my freshman year. also, i wouldn’t have room to take either of them my sophomore year! do not stress it. at my school, they do schedules/classes from seniors down to freshman so upperclassmen can fill their credit requirements to graduate. they will help you get what you need.
get an agenda. it helps, so much. or make lists or something, just write down what needs to get done, by what date, and don’t lose it. teachers will not remind you to go out and buy one.
pay attention to the announcements. you might actually want to know about upcoming sports games, club meetings, or standardized tests.
bring a snack to the class right before lunch/after your pe class if you have one!! trust me, you’re going to be hella hungry and sitting there with a growling stomach is not the best way to stay focused.
you don’t have to do homework every single night. if you’re too exhausted, it’s okay! nap, eat, take a bath, just relax. you can figure it out later.
meet people who work hard in school. it can help you stay motivated and they can help you when you don’t understand things.
don’t be embarrassed about being a freshman/younger. this still kinda gets me, but honestly, everyone there has been in your shoes. they get it, and upperclassmen won’t tease you for it.
meet at least one person in each of your classes. if anything, make awkward small talk with the person to your right. you don’t want to be alone when the teacher says to group/pair up. also, try to get close enough to exchange numbers in case you’re sick one day and you teacher doesn’t answer your email about an assignment or if you don’t understand something.
it’s okay to each lunch alone! all you need is food, a book/homework and your ear buds and then you’re all set to go. don’t worry, no one’s staring, no one’s whispering about you. if anything, they wish they were as smart as you to be using free time to get work done.
don’t stand in the middle of the hallways people will shove you if you do, and soon you’ll be annoyed with the people who stand out there for no reason too.
junior takeover day (if you have one) isn’t that bad. if anything, you’ll get sprayed with silly string. if you see a group of upperclassmen standing at the top of the stairs, go with a group or take a different route. it’s all good.
you don’t need to take everything everywhere. backpacks get heavy, fast. be realistic and only carry what you need for the next 2-3 classes. if you can make a stop by your locker at some point on the way to another class, do it. don’t worry about being late- you’ll make it. another way to help carry less is just leave your back pack in your locker. carry the books you need for the next 2 classes, your pencil case, phone, and maybe a book to read/other homework if you know for sure you’ll have time for it. another tip, just carry a small bag with your phone, pencil case, book, chapstick, etc. and carry your books separately.
wear what you want to wear! honestly, it’s high school. no matter what you’re wearing or what make up you have, no one is going to care. wear what makes you feel good. if you want to be motivated or have to give a presentation, wear something that makes you feel powerful. if you’re exhausted and tired, wear some comfy sweats and slippers. literally no one cares. you look great either way.
i just realized these are kinda long but, whatever. anyways, i hope they’re helpful and be sure to message me if you have any other questions!!
