Dear Freshmen,
Hi!
Welcome to high school. The best and most awkward four years of your life.
Let’s face it- high school is a lot. Classes get more serious, friendships change and shift, Parents act weird, and your body develops in several uncomfortable ways. Whether you’re ready for them or not, high school is full of experiences. Some unpleasant, others amazing. But that’s why *we’re (The freshmen of 2026) here. To help you prepare for the quintessential teenage experience, so you feel a little more confident going into the next couple of years. Think of this like a map of a hiking trail; you’re gonna have to do the walking, but we can show you where to go and how to get there (Sometimes literally- the hallways can be a bit of a labyrinth to newcomers). So don’t sweat it. You’re gonna do great, but here’s some advice to hopefully relieve some stress.
- Be yourself.
If you’ve ever seen any high school movie, the terms ‘Nerd’, ‘Jock’, or ‘Popular’ are no strangers in your vocabulary. However, unless you live in a 90s sitcom, life doesn’t fit a box. Nothing in life really does. Sure, there will be kids with a lot of friends, or kids with really good grades, but people aren’t 2D. No one perfectly matches those stereotypical labels. You included.
Don’t force yourself into a box. Embrace your differences. Wear what you want, speak your mind, be the most authentic version of yourself. Even if it’s a bit weird. And if someone tries to push you into a label, ignore them. You know yourself better than anyone else does. No one should tell you otherwise.
It’s okay to not know who your authentic self is, too. High school is the time for exploring. Life is your canvas. Don’t be afraid to splatter some paint.
- Prioritize Yourself.
You are the most important person in your life. Whether it’s taking a mental-health day, spending the weekend studying, skipping football practice to catch up on sleep, or staying home because you just started your period, you should put yourself first. It’s okay to need a break or to need help. Everyone needs some extra support sometimes.
That goes for advocacy, too. If you feel like you are being treated unjustly or harshly, say something. There are always people listening who want to help.
- Take Risks.
High school is the time for experimenting. Push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Try something you wouldn’t normally do. For example, I decided to try Cross-Country in my freshman year. I’ll admit, I didn’t like it. But I am glad that I gave it a shot.
Everyone should have their ‘thing’. And that looks different with each person! Running, Theater, Mariachi, D&D, Lacrosse, Color Guard, etc., whatever sounds interesting to you- try it. Trust me- it’s worth it.
- Talk to People.
Listen, I get it. Socializing can be terrifying. Especially when it’s people who are older and cooler than you. (Just kidding on that last part- but you get the gist). Every day I see someone and think, ‘Wow- they have such cool hair,’ or ‘Hey, I listen to the same band.’ Don’t hesitate to compliment someone or strike up a conversation. Unfortunately, to actually make friends, you gotta put yourself out there. Chances are, they’re equally terrified of you.
- Be Kind.
Everybody you see in this building is going through high school. Everyone has their own problems and hardships. Be someone that people can trust. Spreading gossip or making fun of someone only adds to their day, and I can’t imagine it feels very good for you either. So do everyone a favor, and just be a good human. Seriously. Bullies don’t win in the end.
And lastly, here are a couple of quick things to remember.
- ACTUALLY DO YOUR WORK. Your grades will thank you.
- Go to the football games! (Or at least try it once)
- Everyone makes fun of the freshmen. It’s stupid, and honestly, it hurts as a freshman to hear. Do me a favor, and end the cycle when you move up.
- (I guess this is just life advice, but oh well) Remember – ‘Reason not Excuse’. If someone is being a jerk, recognize that they have a reason for acting that way, while not excusing their behavior.
- Find a good way to carry your ID because you WILL NEED IT. (I recommend something like this)
- Fulfill your detentions. Everyone gets them. Don’t put them off.
- The gym vending machines WILL eat your cash.
- Practice good hygiene. Your peers and body will thank you.