Coming into North Central as a freshman can be a terrifying experience. With the size of the school and the amount of course offerings available, getting advice from upperclassmen can be very useful.
For me, playing a sport that had summer training was very helpful because I was able to meet new people and get a feel for the school.
It was also helpful using teacher support hours and not being afraid to ask questions, especially in the beginning of the year. I learned that being open to new things is what helps the most when going into a new big school.
Starting high school can be a huge adjustment and getting a bigger work load can cause lots of stress. Using the resources given at our school is very useful to help take some of the stress off. Having a learning center that has free tutoring all day is a great way to get extra help and do homework in a quiet environment.
Not only is it important to get extra help when needed, it’s crucial to get work on time, especially with having a 20% deduction on late work. Getting homework done is an easy way to keep a good grade in class and it helps you understand the material. With that said, staying organized and keeping up with all work assignments is very important to continue being a successful student.
As much as academics matter, socialization is equally important. Not everyone likes to be social and open up to new things, but finding a few friends or a club that interests you helps make school a lot more enjoyable. Whether it’s sitting with new people at lunch, or talking to the classmates you sit next to in class, opening up to meeting new people helps create community and new connections.
Get involved as much as possible. Trying out for sports teams or joining clubs is a great way to get more involved and comfortable with the school. Being involved also helps in the long run when filling out college applications. It looks good and feels good to be a part of something special to you and the school. Having a community and group of people you can be yourself around and share interest with makes school so much better.
When you get involved with new friends it’s also crucial to not get involved in drama. Staying out of the negative sides of friendships helps you continue to be the best person you can be and makes you look good. No one wants to be friends with someone who is always carrying drama with them. Be a positive light and don’t let people influence you to be someone you aren’t.
Trying new things and taking hard classes can be scary, but being not afraid to fail is important. If you work hard and go outside of your comfort zone it is very hard to find a new interest. Challenging yourself also helps you learn what you are good and bad at and what you need to improve on. Finding your strengths and weaknesses during freshman year is very beneficial as you progress. Being able to know how you study best, do your best and be your best helps when it comes to making hard decisions in the future.
Make your freshman year the best you can. High school only lasts so long, so make it fun while you can. Get a good path for yourself, create new connections, work hard and get involved. Being a part of a big school is something not everyone gets to experience, take this opportunity to your advantage and make it the best you can.
Freshman year is your change to build the foundation for the rest of high school. Focus on finding your community, challenging yourself, and staying organized. High school goes by quickly, so take advantage of every opportunity- try new things, ask for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
One small step this week- joining a club, introducing yourself to a classmate, or visiting the Learning Center can make a big difference in how confident and connected you feel.
