Transitioning from middle school to high school can be very tough. This is due to the fact that that there is a bigger environment, you must manage your time, keep up with your academics, become independent, all while trying to have fun.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Try classes and extracurriculars that you might not normally be interested in. Personally, I took AP US History in my sophomore year with History, which is generally not my thing, but I learned so much from that experience. I learned that although I’m not the best at history, I am not the best at history, but I am a diligent worker. I passed that class and actually got a 4 on the exam, which demonstrates how getting out of one’s comfort zone is beneficial.
Attendance
It’s important to be present in class. Yes, it is sometimes tedious. However, this is your only time in your life that you will be experiencing your high school years. So, live in the moment, grow, and succeed!
Get Involved and Make friends
Communicating with others is a great way to get involved in clubs and sports. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help when needed, because they will help you and eventually you might find interests that you were never even aware of. So, get involved and develop friendships!
Manage your time
Many high schools start at an earlier time than elementary and middle school. Plan ahead at home to help you get out the door in time. It’s important to wake up early enough to do everything you need to do before you head to school. Forty-five minutes to an hour is an ideal time frame for showering, dressing, eating breakfast, and brushing your teeth. Pick out your outfit and pack up your backpack the night before to help save time in the morning!
Grow Your Professional Network
When you start applying for colleges in your senior year and possibly full-time jobs, you will need to provide a few personal and professional references. So, you need to build up a network of people who can speak honestly and positively about your abilities in work and social interactions. My advice would be to look for one or two teachers, coaches, or other school staff members who see you physically every day and would be willing to refer you for colleges and jobs.
Set Goals
It is so easy to get lost in life during your high school years. Setting goals will help you figure out what things need to be done. Make a poster to hang in your bedroom with these goals laid out. Whenever you're feeling a bit lost or struggling, check back with the goals you made when your mind was clear. Let these actions refocus your attention so you don't lose sight of what's important in your life overall. Add goals to your virtual calendar at certain times throughout the year, so you'll get notifications reminding you where you want to be. Making your goals and dreams come true is definitely a positive thing that will reflect back at you!
Get Real
You've always been told it's important to do well in school, but that's especially true in high school. Your grades, class choices, and extracurricular activities during these four years impact the colleges and jobs available to you after graduation. As a young adult, you'll be expected to be a lot more independent and make choices for your own future. While you can still have plenty of fun at school, it's time to start taking your education seriously if you haven't in the past.
Your future
You may not be ready to grow up, but it’s a good idea to keep thinking about your future in mind. If you want to go to college, then make sure you take the right classes. Additionally, learning a second or third language may give you a step up when it comes to applying for jobs. Don’t forget to do your volunteer work, it demonstrates that you care about others and are willing to work diligently.
Have fun
Lastly, it’s important that you have fun while maintaining your workload during your high school years. They will fly by fast. Make sure to create some memories before you step out to jobs. Be the person who you can ask for help, learn from others, and succeed!
Those are some of my major tips to help you in your high school career!
Wish you the best of luck!
Edited By: Khushi Kumari
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Trisha Thonupunoori is a rising senior at Bellevue High School. She looks forward to pursuing a Computer Science Field.
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