So, you're starting high school huh? Got you're schedule in hand and have already done the whole orientation and met the teachers. But you're nervous right? What are the upperclassmen going to say? Are you cool enough? The answer is probably going to be no.
You have to prove yourself to even the nicest of upperclassmen. And here's why...They had to deal with it. You may wonder why they don't break the cycle... They hated it so they should stop it right? Yeah you'll do it too next year. It's fun, well actually it is revenge. You may even be able to see how it's pretty constructive when you get right down to it.
You will learn from it, whether it be how to find friends or who to hang out with you'll learn something. Freshmen have always been pretty much hated. So don't blame yourself and get in with some sophomores, they're most like you and they'll carry you up the ladder.
Here are some key tips to fitting in at ANY high school...
- Learn the school. At every school there are customs and jokes. Find them and learn them, they'll give you common ground with the upperclassmen and help you feel welcome. Know where you can get free drinks from the vending machines or where they clean bathrooms are, be in on the secrets and get the fresh gossip; use it to your advantage.
- Conform. Everyone's doing it. No, but seriously, you have to know why you don't like Jay-Z or Jason Mraz. Do your research and learn how to argue. You may find something you shunned before isn't that bad. Or you may find you're 100% right.
- Get involved. I found that when I was a freshmen drama club and school plays where great ways to be accepted. You mix with so many other grades and people you really start to feel accepted. If that's not your thing then try a sport, less competitive is better. I recommend soccer or ultimate Frisbee (hey some schools are weird). Shy away from competitive teams like chess and football, mistakes are weighed much higher when the school rep is at stake.
- GRADES! If you don't pass then you'll be freshmen next year too!
