To the girl starting her Freshman Year:

If I could go back to the first day of my Freshman year and tell myself what I know now, this is what I would say: Don't be scared. Yes, me telling you not to be scared is very much a cliché but it is honestly one of the best pieces of advice I could give. Trust me when I say your first day is nerve-racking, but not at all scary. You're at a brand new school with new kids. It's a whole different atmosphere from grade school. You're no longer "top dog", but now the bottom of the food chain. It's more than likely you will already have friends from grade school along with you, but don't be afraid to put yourself out there to make some new friends. The best way to meet new people is to get involved. Look to your school announcements or bulletins for any sign-up sheets for clubs or extra-curricular activities. Not only do they look good on college applications, they also help you to find your place in the school. My first week of Freshman Year, I joined almost every club I could find. I was trying to find where I fit in. I have never been much of an athletic person, so I looked to service clubs around my school because I have always been active in service projects and organizations. Through joining about five clubs at my school, I made a whole bunch of new friends. They weren't just Freshman like me, I also made friends who were upperclassmen. Don't be afraid to ask for help! High school is way different from grade school. It's harder, teachers expect more from you, and you have to be responsible for your grades and homework. In the beginning, if you fall behind in a subject, ask for help! It's better to ask right when you have the problem and not right before the test. The teachers are there to help you! Also, if your school offers tutors from the NHS students, don't be embarrassed to ask them for help! They will be more than happy to help. I made a mistake by not asking for help in the beginning of the year and my grade suffered because of it. Your first quarter GPA is so important, and I can not stress it enough. It's very difficult to raise your cumulative GPA if you slip up one quarter. As much fun as football games and extra-curricular activities are, keep your grades up!!! Your Freshman Year GPA sets the base for your cumulative GPA for the next three years. Don't feel obligated to take honors classes your Freshman Year. Yes, they are very beneficial, but if you feel like it's too much to handle, don't take it. Take all regular classes, and if you do well, consider Honors next year. My first year, I didn't take any Honors classes, but I am next year. Your first year is hard enough so don't take anything you can't handle. They will always be there next year. Well, that's all the advice for your freshman year. Don't be afraid to be different, and don't try to fit in with the "popular" kids. I promise you popularity means nothing, and being popular or not being popular doesn't get you into a good college. Focus on your own friend group and your grades, but don't forget to have fun. You only get one Freshman Year, and one shot at high school. Before you know it, you'll be a Senior going on to college as an adult with adult responsibilities.

xoxo, Olivia