Starting your high school journey can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Being a freshman can be overwhelming. This era of your education is brand new, and expectations and your responsibilities have increased exponentially. While you will figure out your specific journey independently, here are a few tips to help you succeed.
High school typically has a more complex and intricate schedule and amount of work compared to middle school. Learning how to invest your time correctly, whether that be using a digital planner or writing down dates in a calendar, and learning how to place your time correctly is vital to success. The American Public University stated that “Taking control of your schedule and managing time will likely lead to great results. These better habits will help you stay organized, increase your productivity, and help you use your time effectively. Learning how to plan your own time can make all the difference.”
On top of this, do some research on what you’d need to buy for your classes. A website like MyStudyLife.com shows some good ideas of what you could start purchasing to have an easier time consistently keeping track of your tests, assignments, and other extracurricular activities. Organization is key and will help through all of high school.
On the topic of extracurricular activities, find ways to get involved at your school. Someone new to campus will not have many peers or friends to interact with. Enriching your experience by joining clubs (NHS, CSF, Gaming Club, etc), one of the various sports teams, or even volunteering when given the opportunity will look better on college applications. A study from Benjamin Franklin International School has shown that joining these activities help in growing general social skills you’ll need in the future.
Circling back to the topic of important work, high school work is more challenging than your work from previous years. You must learn to seek assistance from teachers, counselors, and even other peers. There is no shame in not knowing what you’re given, however, there can be shame in never learning or completing said work. Don’t feel embarrassed to ask for extra resources or even tutor-based assistance. It’s better to pass with help than not pass at all. WIN time is perfect for this, where during the mornings before school between the hours of 7:55 and 8:25, the majority of teachers are in their rooms to help you with what you need.
And most importantly, take care of yourself. You can be as smart as you want, but your mental and physical health is crucial to the success you produce. School and life can be difficult for some and it doesn’t get easier the further you climb up the scale. Many kids are prone to burnout because they force themselves to bust out as much work as physically possible while not caring for themselves in any way.
Whenever you can, find ways to do the things you find enjoyable and relaxing. For example, pace your work, go to the Zen Den, quietly work in the library, and find some tranquil environments. Taking care of yourself outside of school is also just as important as in school. The energy you bring is the energy you will give when working. Get proper sleep, exercise, eat well, etc.
These are your last years of seeing similar faces. Time flies while in High School. Make the most of everything you got. Create strong teacher-student relationships. You never know who can help you with your college application. Good luck and best wishes to you all.
