Can I sit anywhere I want at lunch?
Yes indeed. Some schools may differ in their policies concerning where students may or may not sit at lunch time, but typically you can sit wherever you would like in the cafeteria. Many schools also have places to sit and eat outside such as a courtyard or terrace. However some rules do apply for students to eat outdoors. For instance, cafeteria trays must always stay indoors, and if rowdy behavior becomes a problem the privilege of sitting outdoors can be taken away.
Are there bullies?
Yes. There will always be bullies in life…no matter what age you are. There are even grown-ups in the workforce who still act like bullies. But don’t let that scare you. The bullies you may encounter in high school or beyond are usually pretty easy to manage if you keep one thing in mind: bullies are insecure. People act the way they do for a reason, and when it comes to bullies they are primarily motivated by their own self-consciousness. When a bully feels bad about him or her self, he or she will put others down by way of verbal abuse in order to make themselves feel better (a tactic which is easy to spot if you look for it, and typically results in more verbal abuse because no matter how many times you put someone else down it cannot truly make you feel better about yourself!). Bullies also like to be in control. That’s why they often push others around with overly demanding requests or threats. Such behavior is their attempt to control everything that goes on around them, which hints once more at the fact that bullies are not quite comfortable with who they are. If you are feeling threatened by a bully, do not hesitate to talk with your parents, a teacher, or a school counselor.
Will I get lost?
Not necessarily. The first time you’re in your new high school, it will seem enormous and appear to have an infinite number of ways for you to get lost. That is just an illusion. Yes, some schools have a tricky floor plan but, for the most part, the building itself will seem bigger and more intimidating than it actually is because it is unknown to you. The best way to avoid the possibility of getting lost is to walk through your class schedule on registration day. The school will be open that day, and you won't be in a hurry for fear of being late to class! You can see where each class is located and figure out the best way to get from one location to the next. If you have any older friends who have already completed a year or two at your high school, you might consider asking them to show you around prior to the first day of school so that you won’t feel quite so confused.
Are the teachers nice?
More often than not, teachers at the high school level are very nice. However, don’t confuse “nice” with “easy”. The best teachers are often strict in the classroom because they understand that the best learning environment is one in which there are as few distractions as possible, as well as clearly stated behavioral expectations for students to follow. Teachers love to teach, and helping students in the process of learning and understanding is at the heart of that passion. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your teachers, or to seek their help after class or after school; they should be more than happy to explain concepts in a more understandable way.
Why is it important to try my best academically starting the first day?
Simply put, trying your best academically stems from a positive attitude towards education, and that attitude should be present at all times (whether it is the 1st, 72nd, or 159th day of school!). Although college will seem terribly far away in the distant future as you start your freshman year in high school, the grades that you make and the extracurricular activities in which you participate will already be shaping who you are and how colleges will perceive you to be three to four years later as they read your transcript and resume. It certainly won’t be the absolute end of your world if you have a shaky start to high school, but if you are trying your best academically from the start, chances are you will have a much more positive high school experience overall.
How does having a trusting relationship with my parents help in high school?
There are so many things to deal with in high school – having a good relationship with your parents can make all those other issues easier (and give you one less thing to worry about!). It really is important and beneficial to have a trusting relationship with your parents. When your parents trust you and you do all in your power to maintain that trust, they are more likely to feel confident in the choices you are making – and there are LOTS of choices to be made! Chances are your parents will be more willing to extend flexibility to you when it comes to hanging out with friends and going out on the weekends because you have shown that you can be trusted.