Tips for Surviving High School

Written by Skylar Anderson

I believe high school is a major growth period and includes many turningpoints for each person. If you’re going into your freshman year, it’s easy to find yourself nervous and faced with many questions about this new journey you’ll soon embark on. I put together a list of things to keep in mind as you navigate through it.

1. Respect Authority. My freshman year I thought I could walk all over teachers and students. Needless to say, this got me on one too many people’s bad sides. You think you know everything– you don’t.
2. Care About Classes. Don’t get so sidetracked with the many other sides of high school that you forget about the academics. Don’t “yolo” your freshman and sophomore year and tell yourself that you’ll kick it into gear when it comes time to be an upperclassman. Care from the get go. School is fun when you’re successful. Trust me, You will thank yourself when it comes time to apply for college.
3. Allow the Ups and Downs to Shape You as a Person. You’ll face many trials throughout the relationships, classes and various activities you’ll have going on. Have a strong foundation in God and look for the purpose behind each one.
4. Your Friends are Going to Change, and so are You. Many of your friends and you will go your separate ways. Hold on to the good ones. If they should be in your life, they’ll hold on to you as well.
5. ALWAYS Smile while Walking Down the Hall. It’s easy to slump and rush off to your next class almost robotically. However, people are quick to judge anywhere but are even quicker to in high school. Unless you want the student body thinking that you’re egotistical and rude, have a welcoming attitude ALL the time. This will help open the doors for many new friendships in your life.
6. Don’t Stress about Status. People make popularity and status out to be so much more than what it truly is. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon realize that it’s not how many people you hangout with, it’s who they are. Do they care about you? Are they helping you reach your goals by providing you with love and support? These are the things to ask yourself.
7. Be Involved. Join a sport! Or a club/organization! Be involved. I cannot stress it enough. Not only does it look good on a college application, it helps you become more well-rounded.

High School is where so many of my favorite memories took place. I’m excited for all you incoming freshman! If there are any other questions you may have, send me a tweet @skyyy_angel.