High school isn’t always the way it’s portrayed by Hollywood. For a lot of kids it can be stressful, scary, and lonely. At the very least, it’s just not as exciting as it seems on TV! As you enjoy your summer break, start mentally preparing yourself for the upcoming school year. These tips can help you survive high school, and hopefully even enjoy it.
Focus outward. It can be easy to become wrapped up in your own worries, but remember that everyone else has their own problems, too! You’re definitely not alone in this experience. Your peers all suffer the same doubts, insecurities, and fears.
Be open to new friends. Some people enjoy the comfort of the same friend group from elementary school all the way through graduation, while others tend to be more independent. Either way, making new friends is always a good thing. New people in your life help you to develop a broader view of the world, and enjoy more diverse experiences.
Try one new thing. Each year of high school, make yourself try one new thing. Join a club, attempt a sport, or try out for the school play. You never know what new talents you could develop!
Don’t be afraid of the seniors. If you’re a younger student, seniors can appear intimidating. But they can easily remember being in your shoes, and might have some great insights to share.
Keep up with your classes. It can be easy to become distracted by your social life, extracurricular activities, and all of the exciting things high school has to offer. But don’t forget your main goal is to prepare for college. Keep up with your homework and pay attention in class, because falling behind only equals a major headache later when you have to catch up.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ideally, high school should serve as preparation for college and real life. Think of it is as a dress rehearsal, not the finale performance. That means you can ask for help, make necessary adjustments, and improve your performance along the way. No one expects you to be perfect. So reach out to your guidance counselor, teachers, tutors, or older friends when you need help. Everyone wants to see you succeed.