It’s that time of year again: back to school. Going back to school can be a really tough time for everyone, but going to a new school probably qualifies as the hardest transition to make. High school is a good example. On one end lies colorful, small, and confused freshmen. On the other end lies big, scary 17-18 year-old's with jobs, cars, and in most guy’s cases, facial hair. It’s all a little scary to take in.

I was a freshman just last year. Now that I’m just a year older, I’ve learned a lot about how to go about your first year. Here’s some advice for those of you battling your first year of high school:

1. Preparation: Be prepared – but don’t overdo it. On the first day of school, only bring the essentials. You’ll probably only need your summer assignments, a folder, a planner, paper and some pencils. For the most part, you won’t be really doing anything on the first day that involves all your supplies.
2. Presentation: This is a new year. Think of it as a blank slate. You can be whoever you want to be. Whatever label you wore last year – it’s gone now. Don’t feel obligated to hang out with all your friends from middle school; chances are, you probably won’t stick together for all of high school. Also, think of how you’re presenting yourself at school. The biggest keys to remember are to follow the dress code and all school rules. Here are some helpful suggestions for how to blend in:
   1. DO NOT run to class. I get it – it’s a big campus. The thing to remember is that the students are given enough time to get between classes depending on school size. You probably won’t be late, but if you are, the teacher will most likely understand.
   2. DO NOT stare at your schedule and walk at the same time. You’ll probably bump into someone, or something, like a pole – I speak from experience. Just look at your schedule, figure out where to go, and put it away.
   3. DO NOT wear neon colors or sparkles to school. This is just a suggestion, but I would definitely avoid this. It makes you stand out, and the truth is, it really just isn’t cool.
   4. DO NOT overdo your makeup. Just be you! Don’t put on bright pink lipstick and blue eye shadow if that’s not who you are. Feel free to do your makeup how you like, but try not to look like a clown. If you need help with that, I would suggest avoiding colored blush, colored eye shadow and bright, unnatural lipsticks. Don’t feel pressured to wear makeup if it’s not your thing. To tell you the truth, a lot of the rest of us don’t either. Just don’t stress over it.
   5. DO NOT wear an entire bottle of cologne/perfume. I don’t think I have to explain this one. Just please, don’t.
   6. DO be confident!Smile, hold the door open for others, and try to help whenever possible.
3. Pals: Make friends with everyone – yes, everyone. Of course, it’s smart to make friends with other freshmen, the ones in your classes, for example. But it’s also good to befriend older kids. They can help you with a lot of things like navigating the school, telling you how to get on a teacher’s good side and helping you learn who to avoid and how to survive your classes. Also, make friends with your teachers! Ask if they need any help, or bring in supplies like tissues or dry erase markers. If you get a teacher to like you during the first couple weeks, you’re pretty much guaranteed to get on their good side.
4. Participation: Participate! This means joining clubs, competing in sports, going to football games or dances, etc… This is a great way to make friends, and it’s crucial to make friends early before everyone starts forming cliques and social circles that are hard to get into once they’re established. Also, make sure to participate in class. Raising your hand, doing the work, and listening to the teacher are all vital skills.
5. Pacifism: AVOID DRAMA – at all costs. It’s hard to avoid drama, and you probably will get caught up in some. Try to avoid drama queens; if you are the drama queen – just, please stop. Middle school can be a load of drama, and I’ve found that high school is significantly better in reducing drama. So try put the drama behind you.
6. Pain: You will experience some pain in high school. Sometimes, you fight with your friends, or go through the trouble of liking someone who doesn’t like you back. You’ll get grounded, you’ll get bad grades, and you’ll probably make some bad decisions. But the thing to remember is that we’re all in the same boat here. High school is tough no matter what grade you’re in. Remember that you will get through it.
7. Peer Pressure: The truth is, I’ve never personally encountered peer pressure. If you hang with the right crowd, this may not be an issue; but if you’re ever faced with it, just say no. Honestly, nobody really likes the stoner crowd, because honestly? They’re just not cool. Saying no also shows you’re confident - chances are, there’s probably someone else in that crowd who’s too shy to say no, and you might just inspire them to say no as well.
8. Planner: Keep a planner. Trust me, you’ll need it.
9. Don't Procrastinate: Do your homework!! Keep your GPA up. These grades are for real now. This is the GPA that you’ll use to get into college and put on your resumes. High school isn’t a game – middle school grades didn’t really matter. But these grades will affect you for the rest of your life. I’m not trying to scare you, but you should be just a little scared. Don’t stress yourself out, but be mindful of your grades.
10. Don’t Panic: The first day of school is the hardest – you’ll definitely get used to it. It won’t always be so hectic; once things settle down, your stress levels should go way down. High school is a great experience, one you’ll remember forever. So don’t be afraid to experiment! Make memories that you’ll be able to tell your family one day, and relive at high school reunions. This is going to be a great year – just relax. I promise that you’ll do just fine. And you’ll probably make mistakes; I certainly did. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the older kids. We’re not as scary as we look, and I guarantee you’ll find someone that’s more than happy to help you out.