As someone who didn't have the fairytale high school experience, I can't say I liked high school. In fact, I didn't like it at all. No I didn't hate EVERYONE and no I didn't hate EVERYTHING, but I honestly can't look back at my "glory" days and rave about it. Being the confused and incredibly awkward "new kid" in middle school stuck with my name, even until senior year. It was a hard thing to shake from my reputation so that really affected my outlook on school and the people in it, so I am grateful that I made it out. I AM FREE.
But enough about me, I want to give my heartfelt thoughts and my non-sugar coated advice to you coming into high school that I wish I was given, and tell you ways to enhance your experience.
1. It still might feel like middle school...Part 2.
Now I'm assuming most schools don't have 9th Grade Centers like mine did, but either way, the atmosphere still may feel catty and some people still haven't matured yet, and that's normal. So, suck it up. Try to stay out of drama, I repeat STAY OUT OF DRAMA. And just focus on yourself and make some friends.
2. No matter how big or small your school is, your reputation will stick with you ALL FOUR YEARS.
I cannot emphasize this enough. Unfortunately, the rumor mill runs like rampant. Your personal life is NOT so personal. People get bored and your business, even if it is true or not, can make it's way around your school in no time. For example, if you go that party, PHYSICAL proof of what you did there can and will be documented, and it sucks, I know, but please be conscious about the choices you make. Be yourself, be your best self.
3. GRADES ARE IMPORTANT.
I know it's your freshman year and you think you can mess around and worry about your grades in your later years but you are WRONG WRONG WRONG. Okay, yes, you definitely need to challenge yourself each and every year but please don't overwork yourself to the point where you feel like you're going to have an anxiety attack. If you think taking 7 AP classes is going to be hard, then do not take 7 AP classes. It's better to have all A's in Honors classes instead of B's and C's in AP classes. Also, make your grades your first few years so that you can relax your senior year. Yes, senioritis is a thing!!
4. You don't have to party.
If the party scene isn't your thing, there are plenty of people in your grade/at your school who are on the same page as you. Don't feel pressured to do something you don't want to do. This applies to the whole reputation thing, if you want to lay low, best to avoid high school parties at all cost. Quite frankly, a trip to the beach with friends sounds a lot more fun than going to a party that's going to be busted by the cops anyways.
5. GET INVOLVED!!!! This is probably the most important piece of advice that will benefit any high school student. Keep yourself occupied. Keep yourself busy (but not too busy). Learn to balance your extracurricular activities, academics, and your social life. Whether you join a sport, do theater, or run a community service club, it will enhance your leadership skills or even help you find you passion. You'll even meet people with the same interests as you, or better yet, your new best friend.
6. Friends... they come and they go.
You will most likely stray from your group of middle school friends due to having different classes and doing different extracurriculars, and that's okay. You will meet so many new people, you WILL find your best friend, or maybe the love of your life... MAYBE (but most likely not, sorry to break it to you). Unfortunately, you may not make it with your some of your friends. It may hurt.. It may hurt a lot, but I promise you this, this is just the beginning, you may not find your life-long friends until college or adulthood, and that's okay.
7. Dating... Lord have mercy.
Don't. Don't do it. Boys are too immature for relationships and girls are catty. Just don't. Friends are more important.
8. It's never too early to research colleges!
Do you want a big school? Small school? An SEC school? A christian school? Well you name it, it's out there. Look at their requirements and make it your goal from Day 1 to meet their standards so that you can attend the college of your dreams one day!
9. Volunteer hours, get 'em.
They may seem like a pain, but I promise, it's more than just logging hours on a sheet of paper. Volunteer somewhere you are interested in. If you're interested in being a doctor, look into what opportunities hospitals have for high school students. If you want to work with animals, plenty of animal shelters need extra help. Make volunteering something you look forward to.
10. Family.
I know four years seems like an eternity, but please...make time for your family. A lunch with grandma, mini golf with your little brother, and museum visits with your baby sister are more important than you think. Soon enough, you'll be out in the real world and will cherish all the time you spent with your loved ones.
Regardless of how your how school experience ends, there are new beginnings out there in places you'd never expect. Stay gold, ponyboy... Stay gold.
