10 Things Freshmen Should Remember

Every high schooler dreams of being a second semester senior with minimal school work, some to no effort in class, and a guaranteed future, but I wish I could start over. I love high school and as a senior, I am so sad to leave. 

I remember walking in on the first day of freshman year with tears in my eyes because of all the horrible things I was told about high school. According to almost all high school movies you are labeled the instant you walk in the door. You're either a jock, a nerd, a theatre geek, or a nobody. In reality, school is nothing like that at all.

Here are 10 things I wish I knew before starting high school:

1. No matter where you go to school, you will always have friends

If you don’t anyone on your first day, don’t worry. While there are a ton of new faces in your life, those are new opportunities for best friends. Talk to everyone you can and make as many friends as possible. 

2. Upperclassmen won’t bite

Those seniors and juniors walking down the hall aren’t as scary as you might think. Everyone wants to come off as cool, but they will not hurt you and they definitely do not rule the school. As an upperclassman, I love when underclassman come to talk to me or try and befriend me. We all were underclassmen once, so we know what you are going through.

3. Get to know your teachers 

Some teachers are actually really awesome. Some teachers are funny, nice and can help make you feel like you’re not even in school. When I started talking to my teachers more, I found that some of them give really good advice, they will more willingly help you, and can really help you as you go through high school.

4. Go in for help if you are struggling

Reach out if you need help. Everyone goes through their ups and downs and it's best to have people by your side when you are going through a low time. You are only human, and people need help every once and awhile. You will be ok, but if something is too overwhelming or hard, talk to someone and ask for help. 

5. Get involved in what you can

I regret not participating in all the opportunities that were offered to me. I wish I could have done more clubs, been in more plays, and played multiple sports. Not only does it look good when your applying to colleges but partaking in as many things as you can is one of the best ways to make friends. 

6. Do not write your essays the night before

I procrastinated on everything. I studied for tests the night before, wrote long papers the right before it was due, and put off any project that wasn’t due for a long time. Now that I look back at all the bad grades I got and simple errors I made because I rushed my work, I am so mad at myself. Take your time and start earlier because it will benefit you so much!

7. Not every bad grade will ruin you 

I know how getting a bad grade on a test or quiz can feel, but it will not hurt your grade as much as you think. In about 10 years, do you think you will remember that you got a 72 on your Algebra test? The answer is no. Grades matter, but one bad grade will not make or break your future. 

8. Everything pays off

Working hard freshman and sophomore year seems like a waste, but in reality, it's the best thing you can do for yourself. Looking back, I wish I had done better because I know I could have. I never thought the first years of high school counted, but they definitely do. If you excel both years it will help so much in your GPA and college search!

9. SLEEP. SLEEP. SLEEP!

This one may seem self-explanatory, but everyone needs to be reminded of how important sleep is! Don’t stay up all hours during the week to study because studies show that you do better when you are well rested.

10. You do not need a relationship to be happy

High school movies constantly show that in order to have a happy four years you need to date people. While dating is fun, being single and hanging out with your friends can be so much better. 

Good luck and take advantage of the four years ahead!