School Advice

 When my first year of high school arrived, I thought I had everything together. New notebooks, a new backpack, and a new cute pencil case that would definitely get ruined right away. Looking back as an upcoming senior, there are a lot of things I wish I could tell my 13-year-old self. Lessons I learned the hard way. From fake friendships to crying about school, the years taught me more than I realized. So here are a lot of things that I wish I knew in my first year of high school, and they might help you next year!

1. Not everyone will be your friend 

Starting in your first year, you’re more than bound to try to make new friends. But you don’t HAVE to be friends with everyone. Being a good person is more important than trying to be everyone’s friend. Not everyone is going to have the same values or same goals as you. Don’t force yourself to have a connection with someone who isn’t willing to make any effort to be your friend. You aren’t going to have the same personality or hobbies as everyone else around you. 

2.  You won’t stay the same person all throughout high school 

You’re not going to be the same person forever. Perhaps you grow an inch, maybe you got rid of your braces, that shows a change in you. You may make mistakes, but you end up growing from them. You aren’t going to stay the same 13-year-old you used to be. You end up making new friends. Maybe you stop being friends with someone. Aside from figuring out your goals and your passions, you begin to learn the type of person you want to be and the type of people you want to be friends with. 

3.  Don’t wait to join in

I made that mistake, and I truly do regret it. It’s better to join in than to miss out. Being involved seems awful at first, but waiting around for where you want to be isn’t the best choice either. Joining a sport or even going to club meetings definitely makes a huge difference. Get involved whether it’s playing a sport, joining a club, or volunteering! 

4.  Get into a routine

Having a routine is so crucial. You can know how to stay on top of things and use your time well. Once you have a routine, you’ll know what you need to do each day. Managing your time is also super important! 

5.  Pick fun but realistic classes

Pick out classes you know you’re going to like and enjoy. Don’t pick a class just because it was your “only choice.” Pick out what you like, whether it’s a new science class or even if it’s psychology! Encourage yourself to try something new! Whether it’s a business class or even a new art class, if it interests you, try it! You might really like it! 

6.  Build relationships with your teachers 

Creating a bond with a few of your teachers is not only important, but it’s also another way to get your letters of recommendation, references, and support with academic and personal issues. 

7.  Don’t try to be like someone else

Be your own person. Trying to be someone else is exhausting, and it doesn’t show your true character. Be who you want to be, not who someone else wants you to be. This doesn’t help you become who you are; in fact, it just stops you. 

8.  Don’t try to impress everyone

Impressing others just becomes draining. At the beginning of the year, you’re going to feel the need to impress those around you and your teachers. You should make the people in your own circle a priority, instead of trying to impress others. You don’t need to prove who you are to others! 

9.  A “perfect” high school experience doesn’t exist

Yes, it’s true. Kenmore West isn’t a Disney movie. You get to choose how you live your own story. You decide how you want your high school experience to go.

10. Be kind to everyone 

Everyone should know this, but sadly a lot of people don’t. I can’t think of how many times I walk by people in the hallway and hear them say so many judgmental and disrespectful things about others, whether it’s about their looks or something else. You have no idea what someone else is going through, and what you just said may have ruined their entire day. You may think what comes out of your mouth is normal and okay, but what you don’t realize is that what you say can stick with that person forever. 

11.  Stay organized 

Staying organized can be hard, but come up with a system. Don’t shove all your papers in one folder; instead, have multiple folders for each class you’re taking and put the correct work in the right folder. My backpack can be a mess too sometimes, but if you get yourself into the routine of being organized, you’ll have it under control. 

12.  Take care of yourself 

Make sure outside of high school, you have time to take care of yourself. Take a shower, hang out with your friends, read a book, or binge-watch your favorite show. Whatever it is you love, make that a part of your life so you don’t feel run down. 

13.  Enjoy every moment 

Don’t miss out on the best things in life. Be a part of something special in your high school experience. Live your life your way by enjoying all the moments you have!

14.  Moving forward means you’re making progress 

Don’t underestimate yourself or your own work ethic. It doesn’t matter what pace you’re moving at. Move at a pace you’re comfortable with. Growth can be fast or it can be slow. Doing everything at once shouldn’t be your wish; your wish should be that you’re still going. 

15.  You’re just a human being, not a machine. 

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Allow yourself to feel stressed. Allow yourself to cry. You are human. Your brain can’t handle doing everything all at once. You’re allowed to be tired. You’re allowed to be unmotivated. This isn’t abnormal. It’s more than normal. Being honest with teachers about your struggles or your packed schedule is the best way to make good time. Don’t force yourself to do everything at once.