It’s getting dangerously close to that time of year, that dreaded season for kids of all ages known as “Back to School.”
It’s funny: As an uncle, I see my young nieces itching to get back to preschool, because for them it means finger-painting and learning the alphabet.
As a former high school tutor, however, I saw many a soon-to-be high schooler cower in corners, wondering if the legends of freshman torment were true.
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Follow these tips to ensure you start off your high school career with the right mindset.
1. Be yourself. Sounds simple enough, right? Yet so many students try to impress their friends by changing who they are. Don’t give in to peer pressure. As much as I hate sounding like a guidance counselor, this is one of those pieces of advice that you’ll later look back on and be glad you heeded.
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2. Get involved. High school is rife with clubs and activities and sports. By design, there’s something for everyone. It will probably look good on a college application, and who knows, you might have fun doing it.
3. Keep your grades up. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Up until now, your grades haven’t really mattered. Sorry, parents, but it’s true. In high school, however, it starts to count for a lot. It’s going to count for your placement in class, the classes you’re able to take, and will factor heavily into your college choice.
4. Get enough sleep. Again, sounds like common sense, but it’s one of the biggest hindrances of students today, and one of the most common afflictions of American teenagers. The average high school day is seven hours long. That’s practically a full-time job!
And finally…
5. RELAX! I’ve seen plenty of high school students crack under pressure. You’ve got grades to maintain, sports games or chorus practice, and then a mountain of homework. On top of that, you’ll have to take the SATs, and eventually they’re going to expect you to decide on a college and potential career path. So, relax. High school can be a great four years--enjoy them!