You made it! Your first day of high school is just around the corner. You may have no idea what to expect; you only know how scared you are of getting lost or forgetting your locker combination! But there’s no need to fret, really. We’ve all been there. On my first day of high school, I couldn’t open my locker, I was late to every class, I got lost (and cried), and then seniors kicked me out of the lunch table I was sitting at! Not a good way to start off the next four years of my life, am I right? But don’t worry, not everyone’s first day of high school will be as eventful as mine was! But as you move through the next stage of your life, there’s a few things I want you to keep in mind.

The next four years will fly by. Make the most of everything! Once you get past the first couple weeks of school, you’ll have your schedule down pat and you won’t have to think twice about trying to open your locker (trust me). Focus on your grades and doing your best on assignments. Sure, I know you’re thinking, “I’m just a freshman, it's my first year. It's not a big deal if my grades slip up, there will be time to fix it,” but let me tell you something: they matter. Every grade you earn will play into your overall GPA. The harder you work your freshman year, the more it will pay off in the long run.

Your group of “best” friends will most likely not last. I don’t want to scare you or say that your friendships are doomed (because they’re not), but as you and your friends grow older and begin to develop new interests, there is always a chance that your tight-knit clique will drift apart, and that’s okay. You will make so many new friends in the activities you choose to be involved in. Not only that, but you’ll make new friends because of who is in your classes and you'll even become friends with the people you work with!

Making mistakes is okay and it is completely normal. Whether it’s walking to the wrong class, not being able to open your locker, forgetting to do your homework, or tripping and falling in front of a group of seniors, don’t worry about it. Chances are, someone else has been there too. Laugh at yourself, no one will remember it by next week!

Be yourself. Throughout the next four years, there will be a lot of pressure to be someone else, something you’re not. Don’t let other people sway your beliefs, values, or pressure you into thinking you have to participate in something to be “cool.” If the older boys want to hangout with you late at night and only late at night, don’t do it. Try not to let yourself be naive enough to fall into a trap you can’t get out of. Don’t wear the clothes everyone wants you to wear if you’re not comfortable with it. If you don’t want to wear makeup, don’t! Stick to yourself and to what you believe in. Being yourself will make not only you feel better, but people will know you’re the real deal and will respect you more for standing your ground.

Trying new things will benefit you more than you can imagine. Get involved! There are so many clubs and extracurricular activities to try out. Yearbook committee, drama club, marching band, football, cheerleading, and art league are just a few of the many groups you could join! Find one you're interested in and go for it.

Not everyone is going to be looking out for your best interest. People will use you. People will be mean to you. People will try to bend you and break you. Be stronger than that. Keep your head held high, you don’t need those negative people in your life. If someone is hurting you, let them go. Make friends outside of your comfort zone. You will end up being happier than you thought you could. But above all things, I want you to remember this: no matter how amazing or terrible your high school experience is, it’s only four years. You have the rest of your life to live. Have fun, make memories, and don’t forget the reason you’re there (to earn your diploma).