Dear Freshmen,
Welcome to High School! Starting freshman year can be exciting, but it can also be scary and intimidating. I remember feeling nervous and scared, but with a mix of excitement when I first got to the doors of this school, my first thought of panic was finding my new classes, making new friends, or just trying to see where I fit in. If you’re also feeling that same way, know that you’re not the only one having those kinds of feelings. Almost every student starts high school with some uncertainty, and that is totally normal.
One piece of advice I would give is to not put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away, career-wise or otherwise. Freshman year is a time for learning, growing, and discovering who you are and what you want to do in the future. You don’t need to know exactly what clubs you want to join, what career you want, or even who your closest friends will be. Give yourself some time to reflect and to think about what you want and not what anyone else wants, because it’s your life, not anyone else’s. Some experiences happen when you step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that grades matter, but they don’t define you at all. Do your best to try to be as organized as possible, and ask for help when you need it. Teachers are there to help you with your work when you’re struggling. Even if you don’t like the teacher, it’s better to ask for help than to do nothing. There may be times when you struggle with the class or receive a grade that disappoints you. Instead of viewing it as a failure, try to see it as an opportunity to learn from it and to improve. Growth often comes in the biggest forms of challenges.
One of the reasons that I think is most important is friendship. My advice for friendships is to surround yourself with friends who support, encourage, respect, and bring out the best in you. Don’t feel pressured to change who you are just to fit in. I know it’s hard to leave or drop your other old friends, but you have to consider what’s best for you, even if it means leaving your old friends behind. High school becomes way more enjoyable when you spend time with people who support your goals and make you feel valued.