At the end of the year I will be through with my freshman year. This makes me think back to how I felt in the beginning of the year. Having an  older sister at the end of her high school career, I wasn’t too nervous because I had her to talk to and ask any questions I had. A lot of kids going into high school may not have someone they can talk to or ask their questions to, so I decided to help out upcoming freshman with some useful tips.

Stay on the right side of the hall

This is a big one. Many high school students can agree that one of the most annoying things is when people take up the whole hallway. In between periods there are so many people just trying to get to their lockers and classes, so don’t make such a simple task extra difficult.

Stay off your phone

As a middle school student, of course it’s new and exciting to be able to have your phone on you. While it is very handy, don’t get distracted by it. Wait until you are done with all your work because otherwise you’ll find yourself behind on a lot of assignments. Also, as a teenager it’s important for you to interact with other people around you. In so many classes kids are sitting silently on their phones when they should be talking and getting to know each other. The last thing we all need is more screen time.

Stop caring about what people think but be socially aware

So many kids come up to high school and totally lose their personality because they care so much about what people think. People tend to gravitate towards people they think are different from the rest or just people who are themselves. At the same time don’t go overboard trying to make yourself appealing. Your right people will find you.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

This was a big one for me this year. I used to be terrified of asking the teacher questions because of what the teacher would think or if my classmates would think I’m dumb but no one really cares. You need to ask questions to learn. In most classes if you don’t understand one thing you’re going to be lost a lot of the time so just ask your question.

Be nice to everyone but don’t be friends with everyone

Of course there was probably some kind of drama in middle school but seriously just drop it in high school. None of it matters. Everyone’s on their own growth journey and that looks different for everyone. Just be nice to everyone there’s no reason to be mean because everyone has their own problems. Being nice to everyone does not mean be best friends with everyone. Find yourself a nice group of people who build you up and let you grow. Stop surrounding yourself with people who don’t make you feel good about yourself.

Build relationships with your teachers

Obviously with seven periods in the day there’s a chance you may not like one of your teachers very much but honestly don’t make them your enemy. You don’t have to “suck up” to teachers for them to appreciate you. Classes are so much easier when you are comfortable conversing with your teacher and can have good communication. It doesn’t only help you but also them. Their job is hard enough as it is, and with other kids purposely trying to make their job so much harder they will appreciate you more than you know.

Learn seniority

Yes, it can get annoying, but as a freshman you will be put in your place if you don’t learn seniority soon. Don’t let upperclassmen walk all over you but also know your place. Everyone gets their respect at some point, and everyone was where you are too.