By: Detra Brown
Preparing for high school can feel like a daunting task. You’re no longer in grade or middle school. You’ve become part of the secondary elite. Despite all of this newfound opportunity, you have no idea what to expect. Will I make friends? Can I find my class? Who are my teachers? As you seek answers to these all-important questions, your mind begins to swirl in anticipation of what’s next? Have no fear! Tips are available to help you survive high school.
- Take a deep breath – Calm down. In the same fashion, you managed other opportunities; you can do the same again. No need to stress over the unknown. You have the necessary skills to succeed, so breathe.
- Define yourself by your own definition and not the opinions of others – You’re a unique individual. There’s no one else like you. As a result, you know you better than your classmates. No, you don’t have all of the answers, and neither do they. So there’s no reason to build your definition on their thoughts and opinions. Be free. Set your standard.
- No man is an island, so choose friends who uplift and motivate you – Relationships are an essential part of growth and development. Meeting people is the way to expand your circle, but be selective. Since you’re discovering who you are, find people who support your discovery. People who encourage and challenge you are the right ones. Those who demean you are the wrong ones. Consider this equation as you evaluate your relationships: Find people who add and multiply and remove those who subtract and divide.
- Have friends and activities outside of school – Participating in school plays, sports, or other activities is fun and enjoyable. But don’t limit yourself. Locate activities that allow you to expand your view. Explore new places. The world is massive, so don’t limit yourself to the four walls of school. Challenge yourself to try something new.
- Seek help when you need it – No one knows everything. The only dumb question is the one not asked. Raise your hand and find answers. In this age, there’s Siri, Alexa, and even Google, so there’s no need not to have answers. Other people may have the same question, but even if they don’t, you need to know, and that’s enough.
- Keep a journal – No matter who you are, a journal is a useful accessory. Everyone has thoughts and concerns, and the journal is a safe place to express anything. You can be yourself.
- Make goals for yourself and define your own success – Your teachers give homework and test you on a variety of topics. However, you’ve choices to make: (1) will you do the bare minimum; (2) will you do nothing; or (3) will you excel and become extraordinary. Each of these will lead you down a path. People around you will encourage you, but ultimately the choice is yours. Select wisely for your future depends on it.
These tips won’t only help you survive high school, but thrive. They encourage you to discover yourself and find friends doing the same thing. Also, they guide you to excel in school with balance. Therefore, the tips are here, so refer to them often.
