Being an expert at social life, school, and sports (yeah, we know that’s a joke), I would like to give anyone entering high school or in high school my A+ advice on how to get through high school. Maybe you’re a freshman and have no idea what to expect, or maybe you are entering your senior year and are pretty much done at this point. Either way, I have some tips on how to get through and complete your high school career, so that it’s the best it can be.

1. Actually do your homework. Get good grades. Maybe you need tutoring, but in the end, all those college scholarships will be worth it. Trust me. I worked hard, and now I am going to a private college debt free for my first year. It sucks in the moment, yeah, but honestly, my siblings, friends, even some aunts and uncles that didn’t work hard all expressed regret. Either because they didn’t get good grades and didn’t go to college, or they didn’t end up getting any scholarships and are in debt. So have fun, but this will pay off in the long run.
2. Get involved. If I could give you any tip, this would be it. Even if it is your last year, join a club! I did 10 extracurriculars my senior year, and made a ton of new friends that I spent a lot of time with outside of school. It was definitely my favorite year, and I promise, you won’t regret joining a sport or activity.
3. Don’t judge. Maybe you are the most popular person, or a band geek, or a math nerd, but honestly, everyone has something they can offer to you. I made friends with literally every stereotype, and students from seniors to freshies and it made my life absolutely incredible.
4. Be nice. This made one heck of a difference when I figured this one out. Just saying hi to kids in the hallway, classmates or younger students, changes your whole world. When I did this, I found that I had more friends, people looked up to me, and I gradually changed from being “scary, nerdy, or quiet” (all words used to describe me by someone at some point) to being “fun, cool, and friendly.” My brother had this figured out as a freshman, and I admire him so much for it. Now, people look up to him and want to be his friend – I guess kindness makes you more popular than anything else ever could.

If you have any questions or want specific advice, feel free to email me! Mariakohane7@gmail.com