Transitioning from middle school into high school isn’t easy. Cliques change, classes become more difficult, and responsibilities are added. Feeling uneasy after the first few days is normal - it takes time to adjust to the new campus and the new faces in the hallway. Freshman year is the beginning of some of the most memorable years of your life; surviving it is simple if you strive for a balance between your social life and academics.
Compared to middle school, high school has a completely new dynamic. During the first few days of school, it is critical to take a few minutes to adjust to the campus. Not only will it save you time when hurrying between classes, but it also relieves the feeling of being rushed and lost. While adjusting to the new campus, keep an eye out to see where each clique usually hangs out during break to have an idea where to go during lunch to meet up with friends. The social aspect of high school is different in that there is a new formation of cliques. Rather than just sticking with their middle school friends, most people find new friends who have the same classes or sports. This formation of new friends isn’t challenging, but keeping the balance between new friends and old friends is. Aim to be well-rounded socially - have a friend from each social group in order to always have someone to support you.
Academic balance is just as important as social balance. When signing up for classes, try to strive for Honors or AP (Advanced Placement) classes if they are available. Although these courses are more challenging, they usually award you extra weighted points for your GPA. In addition to challenging classes, sign up for clubs at school, such as Hip-Hop Club, Academic Decathlon, Baking Club, or Fashion Club. Clubs are not only a way to meet friends, but they also reveal your personality on your resume or transcript. However, be sure to join a club that is well known, such as American Red Cross, National Honor Society, or any Scholarship Federations. Prominent clubs like these have special scholarships for members only and also reward you with cords or sashes at graduation. After joining clubs, try to run for a leadership position during your Junior or Senior year to show your leadership skills.
The most important tip to remember during your freshman year is to have fun and make memories. Freshman year is the year of adjustments before the pressure of doing well to get into college is truly placed on your shoulders. Make every day count, whether it be eating lunch with your friends, studying an extra hour at night for an important test, or going out of your comfort zone to make a speech in front of your fellow club members for a board position. In the end, your actions during freshman year impact the next three years of your high school career.
The four years of high school fly by extremely quickly. Balance is key during high school. High school is known for being the best four years of your life - create a foundation for yourself during freshman year in order for this to maxim to become reality.