Written by: Liana Choi, ESC Communications Intern
Hi there! My name is Liana Choi, and I am a High School intern in the Communications Department at the ESC of Central Ohio. I will be a senior at Dublin Jerome High School this upcoming year where I also take classes at our Emerald Campus. As I am heading into my last year in high school, I wanted to share tips I have collected from my own high school experiences over the past few years for incoming Freshmen. I know from experience that after graduating middle school, high school seems very intimidating. Although there is not a way to make the fear completely disappear, (it can be healthy to have a certain level of stress), having some tips before starting will help you prepare both physically and mentally!
1. Planning is Key
Like most incoming Freshmen expect, you will experience your workload increase as you transition from middle school to high school. This can make you overwhelmed and even want to procrastinate at times. It’s important to remember that all of this is different and new from what you are used to, so that is why it can feel even more overwhelming than what it really is. Once you get used to it with time, it will feel a lot more stable and manageable. That said, it is also crucial to get into the habit of having an organized plan to minimize the level of stress and to get your work done more efficiently. I recommend getting a planner that works for you. Whether it is digital, such as an app or Google calendar, or just an old school pencil and paper, bring it around to every class and even outside of school to jot down everything you want to remember. It’s not something you have to show to anyone but yourself, so make sure you create a system that makes sense to you. Your future self will thank you for getting into this habit.
2. Set Your Priorities
There are so many things to distract you from concentrating on what is the most important, and that’s because what is the most important is not always the most fun. Learning discipline is needed to set your priorities and act accordingly. Think about the difference between a need and a want. What is something you need to do, after setting all your own opinions aside, and what is something you want to do? Put your needs before your wants. You can even think about it as rewarding yourself for doing something you want after getting done with something that was needed. Step back and think a few steps further. What is really going to help you in the future? As difficult it is to stop yourself from only doing what you want to do, it is going to be just as rewarding to get done what is needed.
3. Be Smart When Making Decisions
I have seen so many high school students fill their schedules up to the brim with different classes and activities. It is easy to just decide you are going to do something without really thinking why you are going to do it. For example, when choosing different classes to take, it is important that you choose each one because it is what you personally want and need, and not because everyone around you is taking it. While hearing about other people’s experiences and taking advice can be extremely helpful, you know yourself the best. You know what you can and cannot do, you know what is necessary for you, and you know your own goals the best. Always make sure to follow your own path.
4. Learn to Socialize
As an introverted person, I do not always find ways to meet new people and socialize. And if this is you, that is okay! Everyone has different comfort levels of socializing with others. But there also are so many people in high school you have no choice but to see and meet daily. So, if you learn to socialize and get close to those people, your high school life will go smoother, and you will feel more engaged. If someone you do not know is sitting next to you in your class, start a small conversation and get to know each other. I have met so many of my friends just by reaching out and showing that I want to get to know them. And if there are different clubs or activities that interest you, try joining them. Being part of a smaller community of people with similar interests to you is one of the best ways to make new friendships and socialize. I recommend taking one step outside of your comfort zone. It will lead you to gain more than you ever imagined!
5. Manage your Physical and Mental Health
It is extremely important to manage both your physical and mental health. Not giving yourself a break can eventually lead to getting burnt out, which can be difficult to recover from. So, to prevent this, make sure you set some time aside to prioritize your health. I believe one of the most effective ways to keep yourself healthy is to get the proper amount of sleep. There are so many things you do during the day including school, homework, and any outside activities. So, I recommend getting into a healthy cycle of doing your best to get the most out of those activities during the day but setting the time to go to bed and sleep at night. Try to get around 8 hours of sleep, and that will help you recover tremendously both physically and mentally. Then you can go on about your day again with a fresh mind and body!
Always remember that you don’t need to be perfect. High school is a new environment and everyone else around is just as new to this as you. You can always ask questions and reach out for help whenever you need it. I promise you will get better at it with time, so just trust the process. Here is a list of sources for you to look at for more in-depth ways to take care of yourself:
- 12 Ways to Practice Self Care for Teens by VISIONS
- 5 Skills Teens Need in Life - and How to Encourage Them by Harvard Health Publishing
- 5 Tips to Help Teens Cope with Stress by Mental Health First Aid