Earlier this week, Kathryn Williams gave us her thoughts on freshman year; now it's Rupinder Gill's turn.
There are few days as exciting and nerve-wracking as the first day of high school. What to wear? What to think? How to act?
Between classes, extracurriculars, and social situations, freshman year is a maze, and finding your place can be confusing. But once you do, high school can be great. Here are some tips on navigating the maze and getting to the good stuff as quickly as possible:
Be yourself: We know this is easier said than done—and that part of high school is about trying on different identities and figure out what "being yourself" actually means for you. But unless you’re in the Witness Protection program, there’s no point in intentionally pretending to be someone you’re not. And it’s useless to meet friends who like the person you're trying to be, instead of the person you actually are. You’re interesting. You’re fun. Don’t hide it.
Don't worry if you're not 100% "normal": I felt like I was a bit of an outsider in high school. I was no prom queen, and I was a gifted studies nerd—but I became somewhat popular, which goes to show that looks aren’t everything and your uniqueness is a positive thing. It turns out that new hair and clothes can make anyone look good, but nothing can make someone smart or interesting. I would have loved for someone to have told me that in high school so I could have ignored all of the beautiful, cool kids who thought they ruled the school.
Remember that some people get their 15 minutes early: There are always people who spend their whole high school experience belittling those who look or act differently, and being rewarded for their meanness with popularity. Without fail, most of these jerks ended up doing little of note after high school. It’s Sparklers Law. Just ignore them, study, have fun, and let them have their 15 minutes. When they're thirty years old and living in the same tiny town and reminiscing about the glory days of high school, you'll be conquering Manhattan, or translating French novels, or handling mergers, or all three, and high school will be a dim and boring memory.
Get involved: Let’s be honest, sometimes classes can be boring. But that's okay: high school is more than just geometry and geography. Some of our greatest memories are from afterschool clubs, morning meetings, and the general feeling of being invested in school. If none of the clubs interest you, start your own. Extracurricular activities are the best way to make new friends and explore your interests.
Give it a shot: You've taken many risks in your life already, whether you realize it or not. Starting something new always seems scary at first, but usually ends up being great in the end. Ease into it and give it a chance. High school can be a time to meet good people and have wonderful experiences—or at least experiences that make you laugh later (purple jeans, what were we thinking?!).
So, are you freaking out about starting high school? And if you're a wise old sophomore/junior/senior, let those ninth grade Sparklers know what you wish you'd been told before you started your freshman year.
Topics: School
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