HIGH SCHOOL 101
Holly Ratcliff
The beginning of school is approaching quickly, and, while I know we all dread the end of summer, we cannot delay the inevitable return of learning. However, here are a few tips designed for Freshmen to help smooth the transition into high school.
1. Be yourself. You are a unique and individual person- there is no one exactly like you. High school is usually the time in your life where you discover your passions in sports, extracurriculars, and future careers. Do not allow other people to influence who you are and who you be come. Be yourself; find out what it is you love to do then keep doing it.
2. Be respectful and responsible. As a freshmen, you are only a little more than three years away from being a legal adult. The teachers know that and treat students differently; they treat us more like adults and less like kids. Do not take advantage of the respect given and responsibility intrusted to you. Be respectful, do the work; the more trustworthy you prove, the more freedom you will be allowed.
3. Do not procrastinate! There is not that much homework or that many projects so long as you start the night something is assigned. Do not listen to Netflix when it tells you that you just have to watch one more episode... and then one more... and then one more... Netflix is lying! Do your homework, study for tests, pay attention in class, and you will easily survive no matter what classes you are taking.
4. Follow the rules. Breaking the rules may seem like a fantastic idea at times, but it is not. Skipping class or breaking dress code, just don’t do it- you will get caught. Whenever someone breaks the rules, they are just sentenced to more rules; when they break those rules, more rules. It is a never ending cycle. Simply do what you are supposed to do from the get-go. It is much easier, and you may end up with more privileges.
5. Branch out. High school is an exciting time in everyone's life. Join a club, take interesting electives, make friends with people of different ages, meet people who are not in your class or sport or activity. Go to games and races, concerts and shows. High school is the perfect opportunity to expand your friend group and interest group; don’t waste it!
That is the condensed guide to high school. Be yourself, respect others, do your work on time, follow the rules, and get out of your comfort zone a bit. High school is not supposed to be the best four years of your life- college, marriage, kids, careers- all of that is still coming in the future. But for now, high school is way more exciting that elementary and middle school, so have fun, be yourself, stay responsible, and it will be a great year!
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