How to Survive High School

Your first day of your freshman year in high school might be a little scary. You’re new to the school and don’t know where everything is, you’re new to all the teachers and their teaching styles, and most importantly you’re new to all the people. People feel uncomfortable when they’re around unfamiliar faces, especially when you notice how old the upper classmen look. But the upper classman aren't that much different from you.

            Most schools offer a freshman orientation a week or two before school starts so the freshman know where to go when they arrive on their first day. It’s good to use that orientation time to get familiar with where all your classrooms are and what your teachers are like. Make sure you’re not late on your first day, so don’t dilly dally in the hallway before class. Being tardy doesn’t make for a good start to the school year.

Come to class prepared with all the necessities; such as pens, pencils, paper, etc. Some teachers will have certain materials they want you to bring and they’ll tell you all of that either at the orientation or the first day. Depending on how many kids you have in your class, the hallways may be a little crowded. Try to avoid using the main hallways as much as possible. It’s all slow moving traffic with everyone pushing and shoving. Unless you’re good at weaving in and out of people, I suggest you use the back hallways or find a more convenient route to your next class.

Don’t procrastinate your homework. It’s a bad habit to get into because the temptation will be ten times worse in college. If you have a study hall, get it done then. If you have a full schedule and no time for a study hall, get it done as soon as you get home. Writing a three page paper is a whole lot easier to do at four o’clock in the afternoon than two o’clock in the morning. If you’re busy with activities after school and have no time for homework, go in early to get it done. The library is open before and after school for your connivance. If you’re having difficulties with a certain subject, try talking to the teacher. They might be free before or after school to help you. If the teacher isn’t free, try asking for a tutor. It might be a little embarrassing at first, but it’s ok to ask for help.

Everyone says high school goes by quickly. One day you’re sitting in the gym at freshman orientation and the next you’re walking across the stage at graduation. Don’t let it pass you by without creating great memories. Get involved. There are a numerous amount of clubs or sports you can join that would love to have you. High school will seem to pass by in a flash, but as long as you create memories, you’ll survive high school just fine. Who knows, you might even enjoy it.

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