Hello, hello. Now, I realise that at first, this post might seem curiously out of season. No one in either hemisphere is about to begin school. But think about it this way: students in the north have begun school about two months ago now, and students in the south are about to begin a new year at the beginning of February. So, I thought now would be a good time for all my lovely little students across the globe.
1. I don't want to seem too tired and worn out, and I'm sure this will be the umpteenth time you've heard this, but be yourself. High school is guaranteed to be full of all kinds of people. This is true whether you're going to a single-sex school or co-ed, secular or religious. You don't want to miss out on true friends who share your love of anime because you were busy pretending you like Gossip Girl. Believe me, by the time you get to senior year, those people who seemed like the bomb diggety, no longer feel cool anymore, and you'll be so glad that you have your awesome group to keep you sane.
2. This may seem obvious, but one of the most important thing when starting a new school, or even just a new year, is to get involved. Contributing to a group in your own time not only feels really rewarding but it's a great way to expand your social network too. Joining the Panda Appreciation Society means that you'll meet heaps of new potential friends who like the same things you do and you'll also have an oasis from the stresses of high school where you can relax and enjoy yourself. This goes for anything: sport, the school paper, a religious group, an academic team, anything that brings you joy!
3. Something else that completely stressed me out when I was going to high school was the sheer amount of people who either told me that high school was going to be the best years of my life or the worst thing I've ever experienced. Thus, my third piece of advice is to enter school with an open mind. In my experience, high school was neither the best nor the worst thing I've ever experienced. High school is what you make it. Don't feel pressured that your life will never get any better than what you experience at school or that it's going to be this big and scary place full of horrible deeds. Wait until you graduate to judge it.
4. Whilst my first piece of advice was to be yourself, remember that a new school is a clean slate. Any parts of yourself that you genuinely want to get rid of (your insecurity, your damaging relationships, your messy handwriting), the summer before high school is the time to do it. You can enter school and show your new high school who you really are. If your friends make you feel bad about yourself or are untrustworthy, high school is a great chance to make new ones. Or, for instance, if you've always loved drama but have never been game enough to try out for the school play because you're just not 'one of that crowd', now is your chance.
5. My final tip is also extremely important for helping you feel at ease and comfortable in your new school. Have no fear. This relates to all of the above tips, don't be afraid to be yourself or get involved in the things that interest you, don't worry about what high school is going to be like and don't be afraid to leave behind things which you really shouldn't be carrying with you. Also, remember not to be afraid of the people at high school. Most people will be happy to help you if you need it, and if they're not, just ignore them and ask someone else, their bad day is no problem of yours. Finally, don't discount anyone because you're afraid you're not their type of person or because they don't really fit into what you would consider your regular social circle. Someone in a different clique, a different social sphere or even a different grade can sometimes be an even better friend than the people you would normally approach.
Those are my five top tips to surviving high school! Thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Megan
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