For many of you, school has just begun, but for others, there is still some time for you to prepare. This article is for those of you who are anxiously waiting for your school year to start; specifically those of you who are only days or weeks away from starting your first year of high school. Personally, I am going into my junior year of high school, so I thought it would be a good idea to create a small list of dos and don’ts that I wish I had known going into my freshman year.
Do get a good amount of sleep the night before. School can be both physically and mentally draining, so it is important to make sure you have as much energy as you can get. Along with sleep, it is just as important to eat a good breakfast so that you aren’t constantly hungry waiting for lunchtime to roll around.
Don’t overwork yourself. Whether it’s in the selection of you classes, your homework or a simple test review, anything can cause the slightest amount in stress (especially in high school). In order to avoid this, be sure that you’re taking classes at levels which you can handle, not classes at levels that look good on college applications. This is your experience, therefore it should have to do with what is best and most benefiting toward your mental health.
Do give everyone a chance. When you’re entering high school, the idea of making new friends can seem a bit daunting. But, in my first two years I have managed to make a small group of friends who couldn’t be more different. If you’re outgoing, reach out! Ask for directions to a class, scheduling help or even the time and see who you’ll be around a lot throughout the day. If you’re more on the quiet side like myself, wear a shirt that features a favorite movie, book or band! You’d be surprised by how quickly a friend can be made simply by sharing a common interest.
Don’t forget that your feelings matter. The school system may try its very best to make a student feel like their grades are the only thing of importance, but that is not true. Grades and test scores should be far lower on the list of priorities of a high school student. Above that should be mental health and passion. Participate in an extracurricular or a sport that you are passionate about; that you know would benefit you and your future profession. Manage your stress as best you can and take mental health days when need be. Grades are important, but they are not everything.
This is quite a small list, but I believe that they are each important things that an incoming high school freshman needs to hear. Not only could freshman have to hear this, these tips could be useful for anyone beginning school in the next couple of weeks. Overall, don’t forget what is important to you, and don’t lose yourself in schoolwork that won’t matter in the long run.
