High school can be a pivotal point for teenagers, as it marks the beginning of a chapter of personal growth and finding yourself. Although beginning high school can be an exciting step towards a child’s future, it can often seem like a terrifying leap.
With all of the changes that come from transitioning between middle school and high school, being a freshman can be a confusing time. New school, new opportunities, new people; it can feel like a whole new world. Your freshman year of high school will be fun, scary, awkward, and exhilarating all at the same time, so it’s important to put your best foot forward to make the next four years of your life successful.
Academics
There is no question that high school can be very challenging academically. With the combination of standardized tests and rigorous courses, the pressures and stress placed on students can be extreme.
“Classes are more demanding and students are required to do work more independently,” Huron High School Spanish Teacher Daniel Verdugo said.
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It can be tricky to stay on top of things and complete the seemingly endless amount of work, which is why it’s so important to find methods that work for you.
“Freshmen struggle with organization and keeping track of what is due when,” Huron High School English Teacher Letitia Simmons said. “They should use a planner or Google calendar, and get in the habit of checking that. In addition, they should think about a folder for every class or some way to keep their papers organized.”
Social life
However, high school is not just about studying, doing homework and writing essays. High school contains tons of different clubs and sports, so everyone is sure to find something that is right for them. Whether this is something you have been interested in your entire life or something you never would have expected, it’s always fun to try something new.
“Try new things both in and out of school,” Huron High School Math Teacher Eric Geiger said. “Even if you don’t think you’ll like it, you don’t actually know until you try and it might better inform you about what and who you want to be.”
Clubs are also a great way to meet people who share your interests. With all the new faces around you, high school is the perfect time to put yourself out there and make new friends.
“I think the size of high school and the sheer number of humans in one building is a little intimidating,” Simmons said. “Be nice, smile when people smile at you, be open, and most importantly be you!”
Balance
There are a lot of different aspects of being a successful high school freshman, and it’s easy for one to become overwhelmed by their suddenly jam-packed schedule. Very commonly freshmen find themselves in situations where they are spread too thin and unable to accomplish everything all at once.
“As much as you’ll be pulled in a thousand directions, dedicate time to starting to find the balance between school, family, friends, work, and fun,” Geiger said. “This isn’t an easy task even as an adult, but the earlier you can have a better idea of how you deal with the cycle of stresses and de-stressing, the more successful you’ll be academically, personally, etc.”
High school is a time of exploration and experience, so embrace the school spirit, opportunities and possibilities that come your way!
