My Advice to Incoming Highschoolers

Recently, I have just finished 9th grade. I have always been an eager student, who would get excited when a school year begins, and start watching academic videos or even trying to learn about what I am going to be learning next year. My freshman year was online. And I am sure many of your guy’s year was online too, but if not, the year was probably weird, and just didn't feel the same. For those of you who just finished eighth grade, I am sorry that you were not able to experience it to the fullest. My eighth grade was cut short… but the first half of the year which was normal (pre covid) truly was the best time. It's okay though because you know what everyone says… high school is supposed to be fun and all. You guys still have 4 years, even though your middle school was a bit wacky.

Many people who give freshman advice are usually seniors or those who have already graduated. I think since I have just wrapped up my freshman year, I can give you guys my perspective on how to go about it, and be successful.

Okay.. Let us start it off.

1.) COURSES

Freshman year is definitely going to be the most chill year of all four. But don't let that fool you, you still should be challenging yourself and taking courses that interest you, so that you develop a vision for the next four years. Try to do some honors courses or even an ap class (if your school offers it). I took one ap class and 3 honors classes. But in the end, it is up to you how you want to spend your student life.

2.) SOCIAL LIFE

Since my freshman year was online, I did not get much of a social life. Sure, I kept in touch with my friends and occasionally hung out with them, but I didn't see them at school, and there were no school functions either like HOCO due to the pandemic. However, if/ when things get better, you guys should take advantage of the time you have to make friends. Branch out of your middle school friend group. It is important to meet other like-minded people, or even people with different opinions to learn and grow and to create different perspectives.

3.) GRADES

Freshman year is one of the least important ones from a grade standpoint. Even though this is the case, you really should try your best to maintain a good GPA, because if you slack off in other years, your freshman year could carry. I honestly did not have that great grades this year. I had like mostly b’s and some a’s. But if you feel like this, don't worry because most colleges focus on your sophomore and junior year grades, so you should just strive to bring it up.

4.) Clubs

Finding your interest in high school is not only important for the college resume but also to get to know yourself better. There are tons of generic clubs like model un, speech, and debate, mock trial, academic decathlon, DECA, HOSA, etc… You can always join one of those, and try to gain leadership experience/ win awards… or you could start up your own club if you can't find one that meets your interests. If you don't want to start a club, you could start a nonprofit, a blog, a book club.. anything really. Anything which expresses your interests.

Well, guys, that's pretty much all of it. I am going to continue writing about my high school experience, give tips on managing time, stress and discuss motivation/ planning ahead. I really hope this helped, or maybe it reinforced everything you already knew. If you enjoyed this article, do not forget to follow me for more! In the meantime, I wish all of you good luck, and have a great summer!