Freshmen, don’t be insulted or offended.
Even though it’s almost been two months since you stepped into the lovely high school doors, consider this a first-day-of-class-syllabus-that-I’m-handing-out-to-you-not-because-I-want-to-but-because-I-have-to. Except this one actually means something.
Teachers might make syllabuses to outline their expectations, set the tone for their class or prevent any potential misunderstandings. (You probably collected dozens of these throughout the first week of school.)
But this “syllabus” is simply advice gathered from some juniors and seniors who want to help you freshmen out a little. We’re not just using our titles as seniors to play that “big, tough, intimidating, B.A.” upperclassman role. We have all been in your shoes. A little help from us might make your four years of high school a little more bearable.
If that’s not enough motivation, embrace the fact that right now your face is buried inside The Reporter, not a locker.
1. Follow the hall traffic patterns.
Let’s face it: the hallways can be a daunting place. But with everyone’s cooperation – and a little bit of common sense – they aren’t so bad. Yes, you are allowed five minutes between classes to socialize, but really, everybody just wants to get to their next destination on time and in one piece. Do not form large herds in the middle of the hallway. It’s incredibly annoying and inconvenient. If you become part of these obnoxious road blocks, you are pretty much asking to get rammed by someone who is actually trying to get somewhere. We all know you’re super popular and have countless friends to talk to at school, but this is unnecessary. Also, do not travel at a snail’s pace down the hallways. People have places to go, so feel free to turn your swag off occasionally. Move with a mission and you’ll blend right in to the flow of hall traffic.
2. Save the romance for later.
Nobody wants to see you and your significant other all over each other. It’s uncalled for and, to be frank, kind of trashy. Hand-holding is cute or whatever, but if you choose to do so, don’t get in other people’s way. Again, everybody wants to get to their next destination on time; please don’t hinder this. As for hugging, there really is no point. Classes are only 85 minutes long, so the last time you saw your best friend/boyfriend/girlfriend wasn’t all that lost in the past. After all, they probably just got out of English class, not a five-year prison sentence. As much as we all love that someone’s there for you, keep moving.
3. Facebook doesn’t solve problems.
Facebook is not the Bible, and you are not a prophet. Social networking sites were created to stay connected with friends, not to technologically clash with them. Keep all your drama off of Facebook. Nobody cares that so-and-so stole your boyfriend, or that who’s-her-face called you a bad name. If you cannot talk to a person face-to-face about a problem you have with them, you have a serious problem. Also, when Facebook asks you, “What’s on your mind?,” it is not asking you to post 15 statuses per hour. Ask yourself, “Who cares?” before posting something online.
4. Girls, don’t become the “fresh meat.”
Every year a fresh new batch of females enter the high school and every year the upperclassmen males scope them out. Freshmen girls, be wary of these guys. A few of them may have good intentions, but many of them are paying attention to you for all the wrong reasons. Go with your gut and know when to draw the line. Respect yourselves.
5. Don’t blow off your grades.
In case you don’t know by now, grades are important (if you plan on going to college or have any success in the future, anyway). Getting good grades your freshman year is especially important because it sets the tone for the rest of your high school career. A little breathing room with your GPA will be helpful as you enroll in more difficult classes as a junior and senior. Stay on top of things now and it will pay off later.
6. Respect your teachers.
The teachers, administrators, lunch ladies, coaches, janitors and everyone in between are here because they want to help you. If one of them happens to correct you in any way, accept it. Don’t argue with them, no matter how good it may feel to correct a teacher. They have a lot more experience than you in nearly every single aspect; so believe it or not, they know what they’re talking about.
7. Dress for success.
No, you don’t have to come to school dressed as if you are going to a job interview. Nor must you cover yourself from head-to-toe every day. It simply means that you should cover yourself with decent, appropriate clothing. Skin-tight, low-cut shirts with booty shorts don’t send a good impression. The school building is almost always at polar temperatures, anyways, so do the world a favor and put on a sweater.
8. Try not to stress…yet.
Believe me, freshmen year classes are a cakewalk. There is no need to stress about school. You have more than three years to start the tough schoolwork and make the big decisions. Live it up while you’re a freshman and don’t sweat the small stuff.
9. Get involved.
You have probably heard this a million times from a million different people, so there really isn’t much to say. But join at least one club or activity. You’ll develop and grow vastly; not to mention, you’ll meet some new friends and maybe get a few community service hours.
10. Be yourself.
It may seem cliché or corny, but staying true to yourself is so important, especially throughout high school. Many people will try to pressure you or change you in some way, but just listen to yourself. People who don’t accept you for you aren’t even worth your time.
11. Take this to heart.
Even if you can’t give up the booty shorts or 15 daily Facebook posts just yet.