Interesting and Helpful Tips For High School Freshmen!

Alright, high school is a big step from junior high.  You have more homework and different teachers--not to mention some of them are a bit looney.  Some of your friends might be going to a different school than your are and etc, etc. Anyway, long story short, you're probably terrified about going to high school, especially your first day.  So here are few tips for preparing for this long 4-year long journey:

Go to the Open House!
It's a nice way to see the school before it's crowded with students and maybe seek out some possible new friends!  (Meeting some of the teachers wouldn't hurt either.)

Be prepared (emotionally and physically)
Of course, have all your supplies ready, but also make sure your emotions are in check, especially some of the dramatics.  Yes, it's okay to be sad--'cause let's face it, high school's rough!--, but don't bawl your eyes out because "everything from this point on is going to change!" or "I'm soo going to get beaten up!".  Puh-lease! Yeah, it will change, but that only happens if you allow it to.  And, for the love of Pete, just be wary of the stuff that leaves your mouth and keep your hands to yourself (aka NO FIGHTING) and you'll be fine.  Just be yourself.  High school isn't as bad as you think it is. (I know that sound totally cliche, but it's true!)  It just depends on the high school you go to.  If your attending a high school with a bad rep (Fighting, drugs, etc) just be careful with who you trust and be smart (remember say no to drugs and smoking).  Work hard in class and do all the studying and homework.  LIVE ABOVE THE EXPECTATIONS!

Okay as for the be prepared physically (Ew, okay, stop laughing, I know what you're thinking, alright? Don't be such a perv!), I'm talking about being in shape.  Reason 1: High schools are large! Lots of walking--and running, if you're late!  Backpacks are most likely going to be heavy, so brace yourself!  Reason 2: SPORTS! Wanna tryout for football?  Volleyball? Baseball? Soccer? Get into shape! Practice! You can't automatically gain muscle over summer break without trying.  So get out there and exercise! ;)

Set goals
It'll keep you focused and organized. It'll help you when you make choices down the road.

Step out of your comfort zone every once in a while
It doesn't hurt you if you go and ask that girl/guy out. It won't kill you if you asked if you could sit at their table.  But when I say "step out of your comfort zone every once in a while", be sensible about it.  It doesn't mean go try some weed that someone offered you, or crazy stuff like that.  Just small things like: changing your hair style, walking up to a random person and say "hey, I'm ___, what's your name?" It's actually kind of fun, and afterwards you become more confident and satisfied that you over came a fear of yours.

Set time away for friends and yourself
Organizing is harder than it seems in high school.  Sports, club meetings, homework, family time, friends' time, you time, studying time. . . It. Is. Crazy. Get a planner! It helps, tremendously.  Suggestion: Friday night, and Saterday is you/friend time, and Sun. Homework/Study time. 

Don't hold onto the past, be ready to let go. . .
Friends don't always stay friends "forever".  People change, better or worse, and move on.  I'm not saying that you and your old friends should part, but have an open mind, allow yourself to meet new people. Try new things: sports and clubs.  High school is like a new life, if there was something that you didn't like before, now is the time to change.  No one will know what you were like before, take this into your advantage.  Don't become hurt or angry that your friend(s) do the same and drift apart.  It's natural. Imbrace it, don't deface it.

Things To Remember

1. Work hard!
2. You're human, everyone makes mistakes!
3. BE YOURSELF (only good, longlasting friends will stay with you because they like you for you!)
4. Say no to drugs, smoking, etc. (in the long run, it'll be worth it, just think: you 10 years from now, successful and happy and then think about those who said yes, in the pits and unhappy...)
5. Set goals (organization is key!)
6. Be ready for change...

Questions? Comments? Don't hesitate to ask!

~Ally-Cat