I have survived Freshman Year and there were a few things that I wished I had been taught before, as I have no sibling above me. I am friends with a few eighth graders and a few of them say, “I’m scared of high school. What if people do not like me?” So as a freshman I have a list of do’s and don’ts for the soon to be Freshmen.
Do’s:
Focus in your classes
Especially as the year wears on, focus is still needed in class. High School is when grades become really important as they can help you get into good colleges. Having bad grades due to not caring looks really bad.
Be kind to your teachers
Two of my favorite teachers have told my classes that they once looked for new jobs somewhere else because of how bad the previous classes were. So be kind to your teachers as they may become your favorite.
Try on your Keystones
If you do not try hard on your Keystones, you may fail them and have to take them again. I personally would not want to go through that hassle all again.
Put yourself out there
When you make it into high school, you and your friends will have the chance of being split up. When you stay in one group of friends, you may end up alone in classes.
Don’ts:
Do not stop in the middle of the hallway
There is nothing more frustrating than when people are having a reunion in the middle of the hallway. Not only is it annoying, but it is inconvenient to everyone who is trying to get to their next class or their lockers. And please do not walk slowly.
Do not contribute to toxic seniority
My friends and I have been victims of people who are in the grades above us treat us like we did not belong, especially in sports. We all have agreed to never be like them and treat the grades below us poorly. That will only add to the cycle of hate.
Do not be afraid to express yourself
Some students may find themselves scared to be who they are because they may think the older grades will think they are weird. I often noticed this with myself because as the year ended, I dressed how I wanted to and acted how I wanted to.
Do not be disruptive
Whether it be at lunch, in a hallway, or a classroom do not yell, scream, or do anything super loud. It gets really annoying to people who are trying to work. When you are in a class with free time and everyone is talking, do not be as loud as you can. Do not be a pain in the side to the people around you.
The main points of my advice are to be respectful, know your place, and do not be a doormat.
