Dear Incoming Freshmen,
High school is a big jump from middle school, and it can be scary and overwhelming the first couple of weeks, but after that, you’ll become more comfortable and adjust to this new environment. I believe it’s very important to ask your counselor for important information and also to have someone who will set you up for success if you’re unsure of what to do. They will help you choose the right classes for you based on your interests and also what your plan is for the future, and if you don’t have a plan, they’ll help you create one.
When I first started my Freshman year, I walked in through the big double doors and walked to the white table sitting in the front of the commons. They had papers and papers full of freshmen’s names. I told them my name, and then they handed me one, as well as a number for my assigned group. I walked into the first gym on the left and found my number. When I walked in, I got the shivers. It was a full gym of all freshmen, and well, some did not look like my age, quite older, actually. I eventually found my group after pushing through many people. I checked in with one leader and then stood still while forming a circle. I didn’t realize till they made an announcement that the group I was in was the one I would be in advisory with for the next four years. I made friends throughout the group and had buddies who would go through the first weeks of high school with me.
This experience on the first day (orientation) was scary at first, but I then realized it was way less stressful trying to make friends. I got the opportunity to be in a somewhat small group, around 7-10 people, and make bonds with them. It was also very helpful to get a tour around the school, ask questions about where classes were, and learn the schedule and routine.
Here are some tips for starting high school:
- Ask for help. It can feel very intimidating to ask where a class is or where to find an assignment, etc. It’s very normal as a freshman to not know where everything is and how to do everything online and on your own. There are so many staff around the halls and in the building who are ready to help, even some upperclassmen need help finding classes because the high school is pretty overwhelming and large.
- Don’t slack. Freshman year is very easy at times, and there’s a lot of wiggle room for due dates and extra credit, but yet again, pushing back on school work can all pile up on the last days of the semester. It’s also a good routine to build, doing your work right when you get it, and having time. It’s a weight off the chest. Don’t fall behind, and rather be ahead.
- Be social. When I first started freshman year, I was brand new to the area and only knew my cousin, who’s a junior. I made a couple of friends in the first few weeks of high school and really relied on them in the first few months. It’s nice to have a small, close-knit group of friends, but it’s also very important not to limit yourself and to be open to talking and hanging out with new people as well. There are so many cool and different people you’ll meet throughout the years, and you will always make new friends.
- Don’t fall into stereotypes. Entering any school, there tend to be certain groups, many based on looks and style. The popular kids, the weird kids, the theatre kids, and the mean girls. That slowly wears away during high school, but there definitely are designated groups. Don’t try to only be friends with people who dress like you or act like you. Some of the nicest and coolest people you’ll meet are the ones who seem like you’d have nothing in common.
Overall, don’t be afraid to branch out and socialize with others. The teachers and counselors are always there for you and will always answer your questions whenever you need them. The beginnings are always the scariest part, but then you’ll realize how much freedom you have, and then you’ll be way more relaxed.