As I am about to make a big transition from four years of high school and living at home to moving to a new town and meet new people to start college, I realize there's another big change that's happening in my family: My little brother is going to start high schoo l this year.
He's no longer going to be a middle schooler. I know I won't be there for him throughout everything, but he was there for me with concerts and awards and such and I wanted to create something to give him some help. So here are 15 tips for my little brother about surviving high school.
1. Try to get your homework in on time. Or try to do it ahead of time.
2. Ask questions. You won't be able to get help if you don't ask questions.
3. Teachers provide their emails to their students for a reason. Utilize their help outside of class.
4. Look for friends to sit with at lunch. You'll probably compare schedules with friends already, but look for more.
5. Know what you're getting for lunch. There are other options for lunch.
6. Try to get involved in other clubs.
7. Be very conscious about your grades. I know mom harped on you a lot, but she will be more extreme these next four years.
8. You'll have to work with people you might not like, so be patient and calm.
9. If you need help with language arts papers, mom didn't get a college degree in English for nothing.
10. Peer editing can help a lot if you get help from the right person.
11. Yes, math will be hard. But don't rush the problems.
12. Same with science.
13. Make the most out of those Friday night football games. Those were some of the best times for me with marching band.
14. I'm always a text or phone call away if you need anything.
15. Time will fly by fast. One moment dad was dropping me off for my very first day of high school and Mrs. Buller was talking to us before we left. The next thing I know I blinked and I was about to walk across the stage to get my high school diploma, with you watching in the audience.
So make the most of it, and make it how you want to remember your high school days. I was able to do that, and so can you.
Good luck next month, Joey. I believe in you.