Starting high school can be an adjustment filled with uncertainties and anxieties: learning to navigate a new campus, understanding the academic expectations of unfamiliar teachers, meeting new friends, all with allusions to “how will this affect my college admissions?”
Acknowledge the complexity
Starting high school can be complicated, and it’s natural to be anxious in new, uncertain circumstances. Recognizing challenges, students can learn to address each one step by step.
Join Extracurricular Activities
Engaging in clubs, sports teams, or social groups of interest, freshmen can meet like-minded peers and upperclassmen who can offer guidance and support.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Learning to get assistance when needed is an essential life skill, not a sign of weakness. At some high schools seniors are paired with freshmen to advise about various aspects of high school life.
Take care of yourself
Paying attention to one’s physical and mental well-being is important. Seek support when needed, and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively.
Be yourself
Freshmen can commonly experience pressure to fit in, disregarding their authentic self and intuition. Acknowledging any desire to conform, then students can be free to make choices aligned with their values.
Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!
Ms. Frizzle’s advice can be a guidepost for freshmen to learn from any experience, building resilience and gaining confidence in their unique self.
High school is a journey of self-discovery. Embrace opportunities and seek support when needed, then students can be enjoy all life has to offer.
