Entering high school can feel like walking into a whole new universe. With new peers, a new environment, longer classes and more responsibilities, everything at once can be overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you.
Some Things to Expect:
Getting Lost on Campus:
High school campuses are typically larger than you’re used to in middle school. Depending on your schedule, you could walk the whole campus before the day ends.
Staff highly recommend that you ask upperclassmen for help. Asking other students for help can significantly boost your confidence. It’s the best way to connect with your peers early. Ending up somewhere you’re not supposed to be could make you feel way more embarrassed than initially asking for assistance. No one’s perfect, and most importantly, no one expects you to know where you’re going.
Feeling overwhelmed:
Coming into high school, people tell you that there is a heavier workload. What they don’t tell you is that this workload is almost immediate. Typically, the first days of elementary and middle school are when you complete “All About Me” assignments and get to know your peers. Well, in high school, the first 20-25 minutes are dedicated to letting everyone introduce themselves. Once that’s done, your first lesson begins. So, go into class with a strong mindset and ready to learn.
Here are 3 Tips:
- Be confident
Confidence is key going into any new setting; keep that in mind. Being confident isn’t just feeling good about how you look. Confidence pours into ALL aspects of you humbly. Feeling good about yourself makes it easy to stay positive when facing challenges that high school will surely throw at you. Having low confidence is something many people experience at different times, and it’s important to be easy with yourself. There’s no need to push yourself.
Like in most environments, there will always be that one person or group that spreads negativity. That’s why it’s important to have high confidence so these things won’t affect how you understand, explain and respond to challenging situations and events.
Remember always to be confident in who you are; pay attention to the things around you, but not to the point that they cause you to act out of YOUR character.
2. Set Yourself Up for Success
Try your best to pick classes that pertain to your future. While you will have limited class options in the beginning, you will have the chance to pick classes of interest to you. This is a useful tool for any student, but dual-enrollment students should DEFINITELY pay attention, as you are now also a college student.
3. Make Connections With Useful People
The people you surround yourself with can either make or break you. With that being said, make friends with peers who are good people. Good friends usually make you feel good about yourself, respect you, and support you.
Create relationships with your school administrators as well. These relationships can create connections for you when it comes to opportunities inside and outside of school.
Some easy ways to meet people and create connections inside and outside of school are through programs such as sports, band, clubs and volunteer opportunities.
You’re only in high school once, so just remember to stay focused on your end goal — graduating on time with a good GPA — while discovering who you are and staying true to yourself.
Try your best not to fall behind on your work; it’s not as easy to pull up your grades at the end of the nine weeks. It also isn’t fun trying to complete everything at once. But most importantly, HAVE FUN. Go to school sporting events, participate in school activities, and even plan things outside of school to do with your friends. There’s more to life than school.
Article by: Aja Isaac, Liberty High School Senior
