As 8th grade day just passed, a time when upcoming freshmen tour their new school, several future high schoolers are starting to feel stressed. Between upcoming workloads and new opportunities, many 8th graders have found themselves worrying. This overflowing stress could be easily managed by learning some simple tips. So, what do they need to know to adapt to the harsh and fast-paced environment of high school?
For a fresh example, 9th grade student, Destini Fitzpatrick, gave some insights into her recent experience.
14-year-old Destini describes one of her first times at the high school, saying “during orientation I was very nervous.” She explains how TikToks instilled fear in her of “being stepped on during transitions.”
Another freshman, 15-year-old boy, Taylor Sharp, described a similar fear leading up to the start of school.
He was nervous he’d “get lost in the very large hallways” and “be late to classes.”
With dozens of hallways and stairs at every corner, the school often feels like a maze to new students. Other challenges new freshman face is making it through class changes, waking up in time for school, and meeting friends. Tackling these struggles becomes much easier with credible advice.
For many, the hardest part is simply making it to school. Or for that matter, even making it out of bed. When that new early arrival time looms, upcoming freshmen must wake up at least an hour earlier than they did in 8th grade.
Taylor describes his battle to make it to school on time.
When asked his strategy he said, “I had to set multiple alarms and have a light automatically turn on to make sure I woke up.”
Making sure new freshmen find their own way to wake up on time and get the sleep they need is crucial to tackling each day of high school.
Although making it to school on time is important, it is equally important to make it to class on time without getting lost. When winding through hallways and searching door numbers, both sources said to just ask a teacher. Although this seems obvious, many students find it hard to ask for help. In reality, it’s what teachers are expecting you to do the first week of school.
Destini attest to this saying “just ask for directions, no one really cares what you’re doing.”
A quick question, even if awkward, could save a lost freshman several minutes of wandering the massive school. Eventually, once the first confusing days are out of the way, these class changes become smooth habits.
While some struggles of high school are much more dire, many students’ biggest worry revolves around who they will sit with. Making friends is a major part of the high school experience but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy for everyone. Discovering ways to find your people and community is crucial during such an important part of one’s life.
Taylor described how “sports have helped me meet and talk to new people.”
Joining clubs, sports, and activities all set you up to meet new people. Surrounding yourself with friends significantly eases the pressures of high school.
The most important thing is to not get swept away in these stresses and miss out on the many exciting parts of high school. Not only is it four of the most memorable years of your life, but you also get new opportunities to make friends and push yourself. With earlier dismissal, individual class choices, and more freedom, high school is an exciting time for upcoming freshman.
