Starting high school is a significant step in a young person’s life. A freshman has to balance new responsibilities and find where they belong in this new setting. With these changes, it’s natural for students to feel both excited and anxious as they start this important new chapter in their lives. To help ease the transition, we spoke with some upperclassmen who shared their best tips for succeeding both socially and academically.
- Embrace Opportunities
Junior Miguel Faez emphasizes the importance of taking chances and seizing opportunities.
“I would recommend that freshmen just take chances and opportunities that arise to them,” Faez said. “Whenever anything’s presented to them, even if you feel scared, just raise your hand and say you want to do it. Getting more experience and being more involved will make you stronger and more knowledgeable.”
- Maintain a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is crucial for success in high school.
“A good mindset entering school is knowing that you’re gonna get through the day and learn something new every single day,” Faez said. “If you come to school with a negative attitude, you’re not going to get the correct information or anything out of it. School is here for you to learn, make friends, and become a better version of yourself.”
- Be Yourself
Junior Kaden Phan speaks the importance of being your own person.
“Don’t try to change yourself to fit in,” he said. “You can always be yourself. High school isn’t as hard as it seems. Just do your work, pay attention, and don’t be a jerk to your teachers.”
- Engage Socially
Sophomore Genesis Benitez offers a tip for social success.
“Try to talk to people when it’s a good time,” Benitez said. “Like when you notice someone else is alone or if you notice you have the same interests as them.”
- Stay Organized
Academically Benitez also highlights the importance of completing assignments.
“Always do your work, even if it’s late, ” Benitez said. “It’s better to turn it in late than to get a zero.”
- Reflect and Prepare
Reflecting on the day and preparing for the next is another key to success according to Faez.
“A good mindset leaving school is to know that you got through the day and learned something new,” Faez said. “Think about what you learned and maybe even study a bit on it. You’re just going to continue adding to that information tomorrow, so you might as well get ahead.”
Best Moments and Experiences
When asked about their best moments as freshmen, Faez and Phan shared their personal favorites.
“Joining the band my freshman year made me more confident and socially involved,” Faez said. “It helped me get out there and get my name known.”
Phan also found joining a school activity to be the most memorable.
“I joined ROTC a few weeks into the school year,” Phan said. “It was fun, especially trips like Wings Over Houston, where I got to see all the planes, even though I didn’t enjoy working at the ice cream booth.”
By following these tips from experienced upperclassmen, freshmen can move swiftly through their first year of high school with more confidence and success
**Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated that Kaden Phan was a sophomore, when he is a junior. Additionally, the sub headings have been updated to remove a grade level that should have been on the next lines.**
