As the new school year is swiftly approaching the various back to school commercials and sales are flooding our televisions. Oh how I will not miss the long and tedious supplies lists each teacher would email and most likely never actually check for…

Unfortunately, my four years was nothing like High School Musical,except maybe in theatre. I mean- you could randomly burst into spontaneous song throughout the halls but you’d either get detention and or an upper classman yelling at you to shut up.With that said, here are my top pieces of advice for high school freshmen who want to “Break free” from their anxiety for the next four years . (That’s right I used a High School Musical reference pun intended.)

1. Focus on YOU not a BOO.

Relationships are great but they are not mandatory in high school. There's less drama when all you have to worry about is which type of pizza you want to eat for lunch instead of worrying about rumors and drama.

2. Don't get slept on.

Take your grades seriously. This first year can launch you into a great 3 more years and onto the college of your choice. But if you slack and stay sleeping in detention, no one will take you seriously.

3. Don't worry about being "cool," just be YOU.

Don't be pressured to fit into one category or another. If you're interested in sports and singing or maybe band try it all your first year. That way you can see what actually sticks and will be something you enjoy doing for the next three years. Join clubs that truly interest you, not what you think others will like.

4. Making friends and socializing.

Teachers, administrators, peers, even upperclassmen all have different perspectives and can help. They are willing to help you, you just have to ask ! Upperclassmen especially know the ropes and will make sure you're doing okay.

5. Time management.

You know yourself best, so if you're the type to procrastinate, work on it because by senior year you'll be crying when you missed a deadline and your teachers fail you- you can "bet on it."

6. SQUAD UP!

Freshman year you may make friends that you will keep all four years and become lifelong friends. You'll also meet and make friends who you'll be complete strangers with by junior year. That's perfectly normal, as long as you stay true to you and be the person you'd wanna hang out with, you will eventually find those few friends whose weirdness is compatible with your own!

7. Be nice to everyone!

Especially your teachers and your parents. Both may seem to be against you at times but ultimately they want you to succeed.

8. Haters and bullies.

The world is full of "Sharpays" and people who will judge you and here you simply because you are you. There's nothing wrong with you, they're the one with the problem so don't let them get to you.

9. Life will be shitty sometimes.

Some days, you 'll want to scream and give up school and become a stripper. That is totally normal. If you're having problems or struggles in school or life in general, go to your guidance counselors. Their sole purpose is to guide you through the difficult times. It doesn't make you weak to reach out for help, it makes you stronger.

10. Have Fun! These next four years will fly by. Your high school experience will be what you make of it, you are in control. Don't worry, " You're all in this together!"