Hi girls,
After 13 years of schooling, I have finally finished and I wanted to share some advice with you all on how to get through high school. If I could have known 8 things when I started/was in high school, it would be the following:
Learn from your mistakes.
Dina Maryea-Baker said “Mistakes are meant to be made. It’s what you do differently the next time that matters.” I couldn’t agree more. The first time you sit an exam or hand in an assignment, you may not do as well as you thought or expected. But that’s ok. It’s all about what you learn from the experience. How you managed your time completing the assignment or the study methods you used before the exam. Is there something that you can change to make yourself better? It’s all about how you apply yourself after it. A bit of self-reflection goes a long way. Did you give yourself time to complete the assignment and time to edit and look over it? Did you start studying your notes for your exam 2 weeks before, or did you finish your notes 3 days before? I’m not sure what would work for you, but you have to learn from your mistakes and apply yourself better next time. Life is all about second chances.
Don’t be scared to ask questions.
Asking questions is the best way for you to learn. No question is ever too silly and it may make all the difference in how you understand a concept or interpret an assessment task. Asking questions will help you become more confident with the content you know and what you still have to revise.
Friendship groups can be complicated, but be friends with everyone!
Call me crazy, but friendship groups in high school can spiral out of control in many ways. I started with a massive friendship group in year 7-9 (i’m talking 13 girls) and in year 12 my group was around 7 girls. Friendship groups change as you grow in high school and that is totally expected. Although you have your friendship “group” that you sit with at recess and lunch, it is important that you maintain a friendship with those in your class group and those in your year. It is important to have different groups of friends and interact with many people. You need to find your way with friends and as you mature, people change and so will your friendship groups. Remember not to stress when your group changes. Some friendships can be toxic and it is important that you stay true to yourself.
Participate in extracurricular activities that YOU want to participate in.
Let me begin by saying participating in extracurricular activities is really important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it will get you more involved within the school community and two, it will help you in your senior years when it comes to applying for university. I have stressed the importance of the word YOU because it is imperative that you pursue activities that interest you and don’t just do it because your friends are doing it. If you really enjoy debating, then try out for the debate team, irrespective of whether your friends are trying out or not. Some people may tell you that some of these extracurricular activities are a “waste of time” or “are silly” but it is important that you don’t listen to them and you do what YOU want to do.
Be yourself!
It is very easy to get caught up in the rush of high school and you want to try to be cool or fit in. If you are being yourself you can always achieve great things. Don’t tear anyone down to make yourself feel better. If you are being yourself, you will have a better high school experience because you will be able to grow and learn from your mistakes. We are all unique in our own way and it is important that you give yourself the opportunity to show that during high school.
Be your own best friend!
In order to get through high school, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is that you have to be your own best friend. You always need to remember to be gentle with yourself because you are not perfect. No one is perfect and that is what makes us so unique. We are designed to be perfectly imperfect because there are parts of us that are great and parts not so great. The important thing is that we have to learn how we can make ourselves better and how to make sure we treat ourselves with enough respect. If you are not positive with yourself, you will find it very hard to communicate with yourself and get through high school.
Don’t worry so much!
You are only 12-18 years old - you should not be worrying so much. Remember that high school is a safe place and there is no need for you to worry about anything. Teachers, peers, friends, counsellors and your family are always there to support and guide you. If you are up to date with all your tasks and homework, you should have no need to worry. If you are worrying or are a bit stressed, reach out to someone to talk it out and get it off your chest.
Remember to be a teenager!
Sometimes you will get stressed and overwhelmed with assessment tasks and homework and that is completely normal. Make sure you take a break. You need to have an outlet for your stress. If you let it all build up you will feel even more stressed. Let it out by going for a walk or a run or go for a coffee with a friend.
I hope this advice is helpful for you all. Remember to always reach out to those in times of need. Your friends, family and teachers and all there to support you during your high school experience.
– barbara :)
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