To the Freshmen students:
Looking back to my eighth grade self, I knew I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I was a shy girl who didn't know where she belonged or who I was. I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to be or what I would be doing throughout the years of high school and the times after. My advice to you, incoming freshmen, is to not focus too hard on it.
Stepping into those high school doors, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me from other freshmen students. I saw their nervous faces and this made me realize that we all had thousands of questions swarming our heads. I remember asking myself, "Will I become popular?" "Will I make a lot of friends?" "Will I have a cute boyfriend?" These questions really clouded my mind during freshman year, and I am sure that you must be asking yourselves something similar. Do this for me: take a deep breath, remind yourself to relax and that everything will work out on its own. Whether or not those things will happen is up to you but they shouldn't completely take over your brain like some zombie virus. Trust me, it will all work out in someway or another.
Another piece of advice, don't expect to know who you are or what you will become during your freshmen year. You will start to figure it out during the course of the next four years. Even if it doesn't, thats okay.
You have an entire lifetime to figure out what you want in life. Focus on what tasks are in front of you because with each struggle you go through, you learn about yourself.
To the Sophomore students:
Freshmen year flew by, summer vacation followed in foot and now your back in high school. Sophomore year is pretty similar to Freshmen year, but you are starting to discover yourself. You have some friends, old and new and you are beginning to take classes that interest you.
My advice, try to take as many core classes as possible.
I'm not saying to take so many classes that you're drowning in a sea of school work, but I am saying that its best to do as much as you can as early as possible. I want to warn you ahead of time that Junior and Senior year are two of the most busiest years of your high school career. You start to talk more about college, you begin to take standardized tests, and you have to make a lot of decisions that pave the path of who you are and what you want to be.
Sophomore year is a great year to try and reduce your course load for the years to come. As a student who has been through all four years, I can assure you that that is the best option. I also suggest taking a good amount of classes during your freshmen year, just so you can get them out of the way.
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself. Since this is your second year of high school, you already are getting used to the swing of things. You understand how classes work and what teachers help you learn the most. You discovered what you're good at and what you might need help with. It honestly doesn't hurt to challenge yourself by taking more classes or going through honors classes. If you believe you can do it, you will. Now, if you don't feel comfortable taking that extra jump and think it would only worsen your grades, don't worry, it isn't for everyone -- and that's okay!
Do as much as you can, push yourself, but not too hard. I want you to keep in mind that you're capable of a lot more than you realize.
To the Junior students:
Junior year is when reality, really, truly hits you. This is the year when you start to talk about colleges and universities that you might want to attend. Along with taking the SATs, ACTs and a bunch of other standardized tests, you will begin the journey of mapping out your future. It's scary, I know. But here is some advice to help you control and conquer this stressful year.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. This should apply to every year, but it especially crucial during the Junior year. Its pretty difficult to balance everything that life and school throws at you. If you are struggling in a certain class because you can't seem to find the balance, ask the teacher or students for help. It really does benefit you and the only thing you can do is gain from it.
Take one step at a time. It seriously does help if you take the time and keep yourself organized. In the next two years, life will be throwing curve balls at you and if you prepare as much as you can ahead of time, it won't be as challenging when you meet it face to face. Write down important dates. Get your stuff done on time so you don't have to worry about it later. Give yourself a break when needed. Ask for help. Talk to your friends.
All of this is a beneficial way of staying on track.
To the Senior students:
You're nearly there. One more year until you fully immerse yourself into the real world. You probably have the next steps on your path all figured out, but as soon as high school is over, it is over. My advice to you is to enjoy every last bit of high school you have left.
Go to football and basketball games, talk to new people, try out a club that you think you would enjoy. Try something new and challenge yourself. You might discover more about yourself than you ever thought you could.
Senior year was the best and fastest time out of the four years I had attended high school. These are your last moments before everyone you grew up with begins to disperse and follow their own paths. Spend as much time as you can with those around you. Thank your teachers who have helped guide you into the person you are today. Take time to appreciate everything around you because this could be the last time you will be seeing it.
Buy a yearbook, go to as many school events, fill your mind with memories.
You won't be able to go back in time and relive these moments. Live in the now and enjoy it while you can.
High school goes by fast, and in four short years you are shaped into a new you. You gain knowledge, you gain maturity and you gain an idea of what you want in life. Don't take these years for granted because they are the ones that are filled with some of the best moments and memories you could ask for.
