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When I was entering high school many moons ago, one of my older sisters sat me down and gave me all kinds of advice about what I should do so I’d have the best experience possible.
Join this club, avoid this type of kid, study hard, etc.
Of course, I didn’t listen to anything she said and I didn’t actually follow any of her advice, but I really, really appreciated her effort.
Hahahaha. Oh well.
But…maybe in hindsight, I should’ve listened to her.
Here’s what wise folks had to say on AskReddit to kids starting high school.
1. Haters gonna hate.
“Enjoy your personal relationships but never let any negative interactions affect you too heavily. That’s way easier said than done but in all honesty you will never see most people you encounter during your HS days again after graduation.
Let the haters hate, you be you. Use this time to learn what you like, explore your options — most importantly try to be yourself without caring what other people think!
Again, that won’t be easy but if you can do it you’ll thank yourself later.
We’re rooting for you.”
2. Find a balance.
“It’s going to feel like the most important time of your life, and the most emotional time of your life.
But, what’s important is finding a balance between grades and friends and work (if you end up working). Some classes will feel pointless, and they are, but remember there is an end and it’s important to try and get through them.
It’s those skills, learning how to study and how to get through things you don’t like, that will serve you better than pretty much anything you actually learn in school.”
3. Keep the good ones.
“Good friends –real good friends– will push you to be your better self, encourage good habits, and want the best for you.
Anyone who tells you to act against that is an *sshole.
Stay away from them.”
4. We all do stupid stuff.
“Forgive yourself when necessary. It’s high school, you’re probably going to do something stupid.
If you have even a remote interest in joining something, try it out, but don’t be ashamed if it ends up not working out and you end up quitting.
Basically it’ll be way easier if you are able to forgive yourself easily.”
5. Get involved.
“Get involved in some extracurricular activity like tennis or theatre or debate or swimming or something you’re interested in.
You will make friends and it’s really nourishing to be a part of a community.”
6. Don’t sweat it.
“Almost everyone you think is important, cool, or attractive, you will never think about again after you graduate.
I know it’s really hard to do this right now, but try not to care very much about other people’s opinions.
You do you.”
7. Very rare.
“He/She is (most likely) not “the one”.
That first love will sucker punch your decision making skills, no matter how level headed or mature you are.”
8. Good tips.
“Pay attention to the way your friends talk about your mutual friends to you. This is exactly the way they speak of you to them.
If you have a secret that you don’t want to get out, don’t tell a single person. No, not even your best friend. Nobody.
If your parents have concerns about someone you’re dating or one of your friends, pay attention and listen to them. They are rarely wrong about this.
Overall, just try to have fun and grow. You will fall into the rut of “this sucks I can’t wait to graduate” but you will miss some of it eventually.”
9. Get it done!
“Get your work done.
Don’t put it off, don’t make excuses. Get IT DONE. Approximately 86.4% of your grades will be the work you turn in. You can’t get out of it. You can’t lie about it.
And I promise, you’ll feel better having time at home to do what you like, rather than being punished for not doing what you were supposed to do at school.
Be serious about the work, and you’ll find that your teachers will respect you for it.”
10. Remember to be nice.
“Be yourself.
Joining clubs or extra-curricular activities are great ways to make friends who share your interests.
Keep good hygiene habits. You do not want to be labelled the “smelly kid”.
Keep your grades up, but don’t panic if you don’t have a 4.0 GPA only the most prestigious colleges require someone to have a high GPA. Chances are, your college of choice will not require a 4.0 GPA for admission.
Be nice to people.”
11. Good point.
“I don’t think you should get involved with marijuana and drugs in high school. Your brain is still developing and it’s easy to fall into addiction at that age.
It can easily consume your life. But…
If you decide to ignore what I’ve said and you decide to get involved with that sh*t anyway, take half.”
12. Not like the movies.
“High school is so romanticized in movies and the media, and although it’s possible to have a great high school experience, don’t try to compare it to the portrayals in movies.
It doesn’t have to be the time of your life, and I don’t think you want it to be. Use high school to get prepared for college, and if you make some friends along the way, even better.”
13. Get busy.
“If you can handle AP classes, take them.
If you can’t handle AP classes, take dual credit classes.
Apply for every single scholarship that you can qualify for, because once you’re not a graduating senior, they all disappear. My sister and I both had some of the best grades at our school.
Her bachelor’s degree was 3 years, living on campus, for free. Mine was 6 years, living at home, working, paying my way through.”
14. Be yourself.
“Don’t compromise yourself just to be included in a certain group.
Don’t try to force an interest, pretend to be a fan of something you aren’t into, whatever.
Genuine friends will be made naturally.”
Do you have any good advice for the young men and women who are starting high school?
Sound off in the comments and help mold some young minds!
Thanks in advance!
