Freshmen,

So you made it to high school. You are now entering a whole new world. High school is nothing like you've experienced before. I'm sure you've heard stories about what to expect. Just know that everyone's experience is different, and it will be whatever you make it.

The first day you may be overwhelmed, nervous, or excited. If you're like me then you'll probably feel all of the above. But however you feel there is someone who feels the exact same way. Don't be worried about your new surroundings, you'll get used to them eventually.

Okay enough about the worrying, now on to the advice. As I said before, high school is what you make it. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Talk to that girl that sits next to you in first period, or that guy that has a locker next to yours. Meet new people. Try out for a sport you enjoy, or join a club you're interested in. Just try new things. Don't be afraid. Make memories that will last a lifetime. Make friends that will last a lifetime. Stand out and have fun.

If I could go back in time to my freshman year I would do many things differently. I wouldn't shy away from conversations with classmates because I was afraid to meet new people. I would say hello and enjoy my time getting to know them. I would have joined more clubs or tried a new sport I thought looked fun. I would have tried to stand out instead of hide in the shadows. This coming from someone who is out of high school and didn't make the most of it.

Even though you are trying new things, don't let peer pressure get to you. If someone is doing something or trying something you're not interested in then just say no. Don't let the fear of judgment corrupt your morals. This doesn't only apply to high school, but this is when you really start noticing it. That girl/guy you're interested in may want more from you than you're willing to give. Say no. Your best friend you've known since grade school has fallen in with the wrong crowd and wants you to try drugs but you don't think it's a good idea. Say no. Don't think that you have to do anything just because someone else does. Stand up for you and your morals.

Now about your education, because that's why you're there. Some of your classes may seem easy and some may seem hard, but no matter what don't give up. You may think you'll never need that history or math class ever again and you may not. But you will need that GPA you get from having a good grade in the class. Trust me, math, history, science, they're not my subjects, but getting good grades in those classes sure did help my GPA.

Why should you care about your GPA? Well, because that will effect where you get into college. (If you plan on going.) Please do your homework even though it seems stupid. I did mine, and I can say it actually taught me something. Not only did I learn how to work that math problem, but I also learned how to be responsible, which has helped me tremendously in college.

High school does more than take up seven hours of your day, five days a week. It does more than give you nightmares about the ACT or SAT. It does more than you would ever think. What it does is it helps prepare you for who you are to become. If you don't care in high school then you probably won't care later in life. If you try and make it all it can be more than likely you'll make your future all it can be.

Sincerely,

A High School Graduate