No one ever told me useful tidbits before I began my journey through high school. Looking back, I really wish they had. It seems like I was a freshman just yesterday, but now I must again join the masses of anxious, nervous and giddy freshmen – this time, as a college freshmen. Having completed the college search, application and orientation process, I know a lot more than I did the first time I was a freshman. It is my mission in this article to help you navigate your freshman year by sharing some insight I gained so you might be just a little more informed than I was.
Never be afraid to try new things.
OK, so I still won’t touch broccoli with a ten-foot pole, but lucky for you, food is not what I am talking about. When I entered the 9th grade, I did not join any new clubs, sports, or activities. I just remained a member of the one team that I had been on since 7th grade. Mistake! Because I joined more throughout high school, I know that clubs, teams, and organizations are the way to meet other students, have fun, and actually learn things.
Some of the older students you will meet through your extracurricular activities can serve as role models and mentors. And don’t use the excuse that there is not a club for me so I just won’t join one. It took me until I was a junior to figure out that if I didn’t like the club choices available, I could just start my own club! If you love anime, then start a club that gets together to watch it once a week. If you like to mess around with a video camera and make amateur movies, then start a film-making club. Get my drift?
But don’t go overboard. Pick a few clubs and then get involved—be more than a name on the membership roll. You won’t enjoy them unless you contribute; what you put in is what you get out. Also, remember high school academics will make increasing demands on your time. So freshman year start small so you can find out what you are capable of, but don’t forget to pick up other clubs that you want to participate in when you become more adjusted.
