Freshman Year: Exploration

The first year of high school is an exciting step of life, but it can definitely feel overwhelming as well. The increase in workload and the excess of new clubs and opportunities provide an interesting experience, but you can cultivate it if you follow this timeline! 

Aug-Oct: 

• Join lots of clubs and sports!

  • Check out the informational meetings for anything and everything you’re interested in. 

  • Nothing is permanent! If you don’t want to continue an activity, you can always leave.

  • Don’t have regrets about what you didn’t do- just try everything! Don’t skip out on opportunities you’re interested in just because your friends aren’t doing it with you or you feel nervous. You’ll have so much fun if you check out everything you’re even a little excited about. 

• Participate in student life!

  • Make connections with the students in your high school communities!

  • There are so many different types of people in high school, and getting to know them and making new friends is what makes high school so much fun.

  • Even if you feel lonely or awkward at first, most people around you feel the same since it’s their first year of high school too. Everyone is finding their place, so try to put yourself out there and get to know those around you!

Nov-Dec:

• Start thinking about what you’re passionate about.

  • Now that you’ve found some activities that you’re interested in and hopefully classes that excite you, think through the possibilities for your future!

  • Don’t be scared if you don’t know yet- you still have time, and you will be learning about yourself over the course of the next few years. However, it’s good to start considering ideas early.

• Manage time wisely.

  • When nearing your first set of finals, the most crucial step to studying is having schedules and deadlines for yourself. 

  • Make sure your work for each class is organized into units neatly so it’s easy to refer to when studying. 

  • Know what grade you need on the final to maintain the grade you want in the class, and study accordingly- try not to be too reliant on the finals for your grade so that you don’t have to stress!

• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!

  • The first set of finals or midterms you have may seem really stressful, but it’s important to maintain a calm and positive mindset so that you can be productive without worrying too much about the future!

  • These finals have a learning curve, and while it is important to study, it’s important to also consider your physical and mental health. Take care of yourself!

Jan-Feb: 

• Don’t get into a slump.

  • Now that you’ve finished the first part of freshman year, it’s easy to feel less motivated. Keep organizing your work and holding yourself accountable to make it through the rest of the year.

  • Start this part of the year well by staying on top of your studies and activities, setting a bright tone for the remainder of the year!

• Continue to engage in student life!

  • With the turn of the year, make sure you’re still participating in your high school community by being a part of the activities you joined earlier in the year, and joining any new ones you may still be interested in!

  • Remember not to get into a ‘it’s too late’ mentality, because it definitely never is! Especially while you’re still in your freshman year of high school- anything is possible.

Mar-May: 

• Know when to study for AP exams (if you’re taking them).

  • Around spring break, figure out when you need to study for each of the AP exams you may have coming up, and plan accordingly.

  • Make study schedules for these exams and stay on top of them to maintain consistency.

• Get ready for the next round of finals!

  • Make sure you have your classwork organized to look back on for finals. 

  • Like earlier, know what grade you need to maintain the grade you want in the class, and study accordingly.

  • Keep working hard- you’re almost at the end!

This is the start of your high school journey- have fun! Starting high school may feel scary or stressful, but the new atmosphere provides an exciting set of opportunities to take advantage of. This year is the time to find your place in high school, figure out the ways of managing time that work best for you, and learn about both yourself and others!