High school is finally here. The change from middle school to high school sounds scary, but it isn’t as bad as you think. As a senior, I would like to share some advice that I’d give to freshmen to keep for the rest of their high school career. 

• Keep up with your assignments 

It’s best to keep up with your work and not fall behind. Don’t be that one person that waits until the end of the quarter to turn in your work late. Teachers expect you to turn in work on time, don’t make them wait! Your GPA matters and what you’re working at now  is the foundation for the next three years of high school.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help in class

If you ever need help with any assignment, ask your teachers for extra help. Don’t be afraid to ask because other people might have the same questions as you. You aren’t going to look dumb, and it’ll help you in the long run. Trust me.

• Connect and build bonds with your guidance counselors and teachers

Don’t be that student that always gets in trouble by your teachers. Build a relationship with your teachers. Having a good relationship with them will help you and them. They should feel like a safe space for you.

• Make new friends

There will be times when you don’t have classes with your friends from middle school. Sometimes middle school friendships might fall out and that’s okay. Talk to the people around you and maybe you’ll find others that will have the same interests as you.

• Attend school events

The best part of high school is attending the games and events that the school offers. This should be the time to hang out with your friends outside of class. It exposes you to the school spirit and allows you to have more freedom outside of school.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), school closeness is important for people who feel isolated. The article stated, “School connectedness is particularly important for young people who are at increased risk for feeling alienated or isolated from others.” 

This is the time to bond with your classmates.

• Be yourself

People love it if you are yourself around them. You shouldn’t have to change yourself just to fit in with other people that you think are so-called “popular.”  Trying to fit in makes you look unauthentic as a person.

• Join clubs and sports

H-F offers so much. Try to join multiple clubs or sports teams. It gives you the opportunity to see what you like and dislike now that you’re older. You are changing as a person, so there are many things to try and find interest in. Give yourself the space to learn about yourself.

• Don’t be a bully 

It’s not okay to bully someone based on their looks or interest. Everyone is their own person and has feelings too. Be nice to everybody. Bullying is not okay. Don’t be afraid to speak up about it if you see it or experience it.

• Don’t procrastinate 

Procrastination isn’t the way to go. It causes so much stress and that’s something that you don’t wanna have. It also can negatively affect your academic performance as a student. Don’t be lazy, plan out your day and your week ahead of time. It’s important to do that so you don’t struggle.

According to Psychology Today, chronic procrastination is an association with poor achievements, job performances and health related issues. It stated, “Chronic procrastination is associated with poorer academic achievement, job performance, health-related behaviors, and general physical and psychological well-being.”

Be sure to take care of yourself and your mental health. Procrastination can cause so much anxiety on a person.

Have fun in high school. These next four years of our life are the best years of your lives. Make them count because they go by fast