Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Advice For Incoming High School Freshman

I was a freshman last year, so I figured this would be a good thing for me to write about. These are just a few tips I have that would have been helpful to know last year.

1) Pay Attention: 
Make sure that you're always trying to pay attention in class. The less you pay attention, the more you have to study... and I'm sure you're not a huge fan of studying. While you're sitting in class, make eye contact with your teacher as they're talking. Not only will this help you pay attention, but if you're actually not paying attention, they'll probably think you are. (Just a cheater tip)

2) Do Your Work:
I'm sure you've heard it before, but DO YOUR WORK! And when I say do your work, I don't mean copy your friend's on the bus. Do your homework as soon as you get home or in a study hall. You could even do it in class if your teacher allows you some time. Try to get it done as fast as you can, then you'll have more time to do what you want and you won't have to stay up all night writing a report. Also, don't procrastinate. Again, I'm sure you've heard that so many times before, but do not procrastinate. High school has a lot more projects and reports, so the faster you get them done, the better. Middle school projects/reports wouldn't keep you up all night if you procrastinated. High school requires much more detail and time. Don't procrastinate.
You need to make a good impression on your teachers, especially if you're going to have them in the future. Your teachers will most likely talk about the really good students and the really bad students to teachers that teach higher level classes. Be one of the students that stands out... in a good way!
Freshman year DOES count, so make sure you're trying your best.

3) Before the School Year:
Buy your school supplies before the school year starts. If you get a supply list, then get everything on it and some extra pens, pencils, highlighters, etc. If you don't get a supply list, buy what you know you're going to need.
If your school has an orientation before school starts, go to it. It's really important that you go. Orientation is a time to find all your classes, try opening your locker, and maybe even meet some of your teachers. If your school doesn't have an orientation, like mine, just go in before school starts and find all your classrooms and your locker. Try to make a route for everyday before school starts. It's really nice to know when you can go to your locker, the bathroom, which staircases to take, and when. This will help you be more efficient in school. Before school starts, you also want to make sure you can open your locker and you want to try to memorize your combination before school.
Bring as many school supplies as you can in before school and put it in your locker. This will make it much easier for you on the first day of school.
When choosing your classes for the year, choose the classes YOU want to take, not just the ones your friends are taking.

4) First Day of School:
Walk into the school and to all your classes with a friend or two so you don't feel so alone. This will also make the first day a little more fun and you'll be less likely to get lost.
Don't walk around with all of your books/binders. This will just scream "I'm a freshman! Pick on me!". Trust me, you don't want that. You WILL have time to go to your locker, even if you think you're going to be late.
You're most likely allowed to be late to class for a few days. Now, I don't mean you get to skip the first half of the period, but if you get lost on the way to class and you don't get to class on time, your teachers will understand for about the first week. It's normal, almost everyone will get lost once or twice.

5) Don't Be Scared:
Don't be scared to walk into that building. Every other freshman is feeling the same way as you. You're NOT  alone.
Don't get offended if upperclassmen pick on you. They're only making fun of you because you're a freshman. It's not like they have a personal vendetta against you.

6) Don't Get Involved in Drama:
Drama won't get you anywhere. I hate to break it to you, but people are going to turn into backstabbing bitches (for the lack of a better word). Some of your friends are going to spread rumors about you or do things they said they never would, but you can't let it get to you. If they want to do that, then that's their choice. You don't need them in your life.
Don't get caught up with boyfriends/girlfriends. You're probably about 15, you have your whole life to find a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Don't listen to what people say about you. If they're spreading rumors, they're probably jealous.

And finally, be confident. Be confident in your appearance, your skills, your interests. Confidence is key to a successful life.


Thanks for reading!
-Khrystina
















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