Dear freshmen…

As a recent high school graduate I can remember my first day of freshmen year like it was yesterday. I was a nervous wreck, as many of you will be as the first day of school arrives in late August or early September. Entering a new environment is never easy. However, if you take my seven pieces of advice, your high school jitters can be settled and you will love High School as much as I did.

1. Get Involved
I am sure you have heard it before, but it is a crucial part of high school. Join a sports team you are interested in even if you have never done that sport before. Or, if you’re like me and don’t like sports then join a club. If you like music, become a member of your school band. Throughout high school I became a member of three clubs, two of which I held executive positions. I also managed my schools football and baseball teams. Those experiences are the main reasons I loved high school.

2. Work
When you turn 16 do your best to get a job. If you want to go out with your friends, get dinner or see a movie then you need money. Moreover, it teaches you responsibility and other life skills you will need once you graduate.

3. Take a Variety of Classes
Take classes you are interested in, but make sure to step outside of your comfort zone too.  You may end up discovering what you want to do with your future from a class you thought you wouldn’t like. I randomly chose to take a Journalism class my senior year and after becoming editor of my school newspaper I discovered that is what I want to do with my life.

4. Challenge Yourself
Join multiple clubs, take a difficult class, participate in a sport and study hard.  Make sure to take breaks, but keep yourself busy.

5. Have School Pride
If you wear your school colors, attend sport events and learn the school song, you will fall in love with your school quickly.  Participate in spirit week and take lots of pictures!

6. Connect With Your Teachers
My friends and family impacted my high school careers, but my teachers made the biggest impact. Your teachers are there to help you succeed, let them! Get to know them and tell them things about you.  They are the ones that will steer you in the right direction, prepare you for after high school and write your recommendation letters. Without my high school teachers I would be lost, I am forever grateful for them.

7. Have Fun with your Friends
The most important thing about high school is to make friends and have fun with them. Approach new people and say hi.  If you are invited out, just go. Remember though, you can lose a friend just as quickly as you made them, so do not get caught up in the high school drama. Your friends will be there for you when none else is. Therefore, go to prom, go to the football game, and have sleepovers.

So incoming freshmen do not worry. If you put your all into high school, it will reward you. Try your best, connect with people and learn. You will be able to navigate the halls in no time. It goes by in the blink of an eye and you will be wishing you were back like I do so enjoy it. High school can be the best years of your life.