What I Wish I Would Have Know as a High School Freshman

  1. Your grades matter
    So many high school freshman play around their first year of high school, and don't study. They then play catch up the next three years. If you’re struggling in a subject come in early (shocker I know) and ask the teacher if she/he would mind helping you, chances are she/he won’t mind and will really appreciate your hard work.

    Your best friend your freshman year might not be your senior year.
    You and your friend are really starting to mature, and maybe your interests take you different directions, it’s ok. The best part about high school is you have time to mingle with other grades and find new friends.

    People will talk.
    It doesn't matter what school you go to, there are always those that will assume something about you before they actually know what is going on. “Shake it off” as Taylor Swift says. All that matters is that the people around you know the truth of what is actually going on.

    Put your phone down!
    Okay I lied, people told me this a lot. Don't waste so much time on your phone that when you hang out with friends you can't talk to each other. Make a rule to put your phone down wherever and whenever you go to eat. You'll find that the meal was much more pleasant than if you had simply stared at your phone the entire time. This will carry on to meals with your family, and instead of being that family that people make fun of, you'll be the people others aspire to be.

    Don't diss your teachers in front of other teachers.
    This is a mistake I made personally. First of all it is very rude. These teachers have a college degree and know what they are doing most of the time. Secondly, it puts the listening teacher in an uncomfortable position. Chances are they get along great with the teacher, and will feel obligated to tell them. Ever hear the old saying “Leave the drama for your mama,” well it definitely applies here.

    Don't talk trash about your friends.
     Chances are they don't even know what they are doing that is making you so upset.                    Instead about ranting about them to your other friends, send them a text asking if y’all                can meet up and talk. At the beginning it will be uncomfortable, but your friendship                    will grow stronger for it.

    Don't succumb to peer pressure.
    This one is a biggie especially in high school. Right now you are entering into the most freedoms you have ever had. This means that you also have the opportunity to get into more trouble than you ever have. If your friends want to do something that you don't feel comfortable with, TELL THEM. Most likely they will respect your decision, and admire you for standing up in your beliefs. If they don’t, that might tell you something too.

    Don't procrastinate.
    I cannot say this enough. Plan ahead! It will save you umpteen all nighters, and grouchy lectures from your parents. Make sure that you budget your time to allow you to prepare projects, do homework, and study for tests.

    High school is 4 years of your life, enjoy it.
    I know girls can be mean and so can guys, but high school can have some of the best times of your life. Don't wish your life away. Yeah college looks pretty awesome, but this will be the last chance you have to hang out with some awesome people. Sit back and try to focus on the positive and work past the negative.

    Excellence does not just appear.
    Chances are you will have to work at something to become great at it. Whether it be sports or academics, to make yourself better you have to put in some work. Try and give yourself 20-30 minutes a day to improve in something. Trust me, you will thank yourself later.

    Be involved.
    This one doesn't necessarily apply to me, but I think everyone needs to hear it. Become involved in at least 1-2 extra-curriculars. It doesn't matter whether it's an hour commitment a week or 3 hours of practice after school everyday. Being involved in something will help you meet new people and stay in touch with your friends, as well as look great on a transcript.

    Start saving for college now!
    I wish I would have done this. Instead I'm dreading going to college and working and maybe not getting to go to all the home football games. Cliché of me I know. Every time you come across some extra money put a little of it aside. I read on Pinterest one time how a girl saved every $5 bill she came across in a year and had over $3000 saved. Imagine doing this for 4 years. Trust me you'll thank yourself when you’re about to go off to college.

    Don't stress about everything. Crap happens.
    This is by far one of the most important things. I spent the majority of my high school career stressing, about what others thought, about my school projects, about all of my extra-curriculars. Don't do it. I'm not saying just ignore everything, but if you plan your time wisely and forget the dumb negative stuff you will have a lot less stress to deal with.

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