Are you excited about this new beginning? Nervous? Confident? …Terrified?
If you’re like most kids, it’s likely that you’re feeling some mix of all of those emotions. And it’s totally normal! While you’ve been going to school for years, high school is a whole new experience and a big step on the road to becoming an independent adult.
So, how can you ease the transition? Let’s look at some ways to prepare yourself.
1. Be Prepared!
For some of you, this phrase might bring visions of the scrawny lion Scar from The Lion King and his hyena cohorts singing a warning to little Simba. While the song was rather ominous, it is still excellent advice for high school. There’s nothing that will make you feel more at ease for your first day than being prepared.
Make sure you have everything you need well before your first day (uniforms, stationery items, bag, etc.) Pack your bag the night before so you won’t be scrambling for anything in the morning.
2. Know How to Get to School (And How Long It Takes)
It’s a good idea to run your route a time or two before your first day arrives. This is especially true if now you’ll be getting to school on your own. Many kids this age start walking, biking, or catching a bus or train to school.
You’re going to need to know where to be when to make sure you don’t get left behind. Remember, mom or dad might have waited for you if you were running late — the train or bus won’t.
3. Get Serious About Studying
Many students enter high school terrified about the large amounts of schoolwork they will be expected to complete. Don’t worry, high school homework is not a punishment! It’s just there to help ensure you understand and learn the material.
High school is a great place to develop the strong independent study habits that will be so useful to you in years to come. Plan to complete your work as soon as you get home. Then, you can enjoy the rest of your day without stressing about completing homework.
4. Get Involved and Enjoy Yourself
Of course, school isn’t all work and no fun. There are plenty of fun things you can do as well. Use an elective to study something fun that interests you, get involved in clubs, sports, or other extra-curricular activities, or give back by volunteering.
Not only will getting involved make your high school experience more rich and full, but also you’ll enjoy it so much more.
Most of all, remember that high school is not a punishment. It wasn’t invented just to make your life awful. It’s an excellent tool and learning environment that will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in life. Take advantage, make good friends, and have a little fun along the way!
