Dear upcoming freshman, high school isn’t really as bad as it sounds. Everyone mostly minds their own business. One thing I will say is to do your assignments before the due date, or on the same day they are assigned, and turn them in, because they will pile up, and you really don’t get extra days to work on the same paper like in middle school. I would also recommend joining any clubs because they will help you in the future.
Try to maintain a high GPA because in the future, schools will look at your freshman year, so don’t take it like it doesn’t matter because it does. If you maintain a high GPA, you could get better scholarship options, like up to 2 years free. I would also bring money and water because you will get thirsty, and there aren’t many water fountains, but they do sell water at the coffee shop if you do forget water.
Another tip I have is to surround yourself with people who will help you academically, and not with people you know who will distract you. I’m not saying to stop being friends with them, but to isolate yourself a bit during class to finish your work because your freshman year does count a lot towards the future, because it’s the start of your GPA, knowing that you can maintain a high one. Don’t be afraid or shy to ask for help. It might be a little awkward if people around you understand the work and you don’t, but it’s worth asking for help. I didn’t because I was too focused on how people thought of me and worried they would think I’m dumb, but it’s worth asking for help because no one is really paying attention to you or what you are doing, so it’s better to ask and actually understand the work because you will get tested on every little thing you learned. I would also suggest not being messy. Don’t try to start having problems with every person who rolls their eyes at you or looks at you funny, because people will do that, but do try to be the bigger person. The actions you do in your freshman year will be with you through the rest of the 3 years, and that’s how people will know you, not by you, if not by your actions and what you have done or how you made yourself look. You will make new friends in high school but not all friends are forever you will meet one friend who will stick with you and be with you through anything but the rest aren’t here to stay I would suggest to try and stay close with those friends who always make sure you’re included and feel happy around them and actually take your opinion seriously rather than just the friends who don’t pay attention to you and make you feel left out because those aren’t your real friends.
Overall, I wish all upcoming freshmen a happy summer break and new school year. I hope they don’t take their freshman year for granted and make many new memories that they can look back on positively in the future.