Away to High School

High School, it's a scary thing. Many people believe big communities like mine (West Clermont) high school is something to be feared. Fortunately high school transition in my community is smooth and easy if the right steps are taken. If you stick to this advice as well as how your school helps you transition.

Looking towards people that have already been through the process of transitioning to high school we asked a UC student (Josh L) about transitioning to high school and advice towards it. The first question we asked was “What are some tips for transitioning to high school”. He responded by giving us different types of advice like friendship, bullying, classes, and extracurricular activity and pre scheduling. He advised that for your friendships you make sure to keep your relationships active over the summer before freshman year. He also recommended that you keep 4 close friends, as well as not being afraid to make new smaller friendships. He was asked what his experience of bullying was and he gave his personal advice on bullying. He acknowledged that he was worried about being bullied but to his relief there was only a very minor bully. He said when you are first allowed to walk in the school (open house. etc.) to walk your schedule twice and each time he advised to take different routes both times. When it comes to scheduling he advises not to take classes that fill your schedule instead you should balance it, take enough necessary classes but make sure you take classes you enjoy. Lastly he advised that you should participate in some after school activities so you get more experience and you find friends.

We interviewed an incoming freshman (Lucy B). We asked her about her fears for transitioning. She replied with her fears on bullying. she was also scared of not getting classes with her friends. The second thing that we asked her was “What emotions are you feeling for your first day”. She responded with her being excited because it was a fresh start. Another thing that we asked her is what she thinks she should do about friendship in high school. She said that she wanted to try and keep her old friends close but also wanted to make new friends as well. Then we asked her “Are you doing any clubs? If you are then what and should others do clubs in high school?”. She replied by saying that she's doing swimming and that other people should try to do clubs to make new friends and have new experiences. She thinks that West Clermont has set her up well for her transition. She says that they helped her with her schedule and told her what would happen her first few days.

Harvard University wrote top 5 tips on transitioning to high school. 1.)“Ask for help” - This mean that your teachers are there to help you and if you need to ask questions just ask but make sure it’s respectful.

2.) “Don't be afraid to get something wrong” - This mean that if you get a question wrong get up and try again.

3.) “Explore new subjects so you can learn” -This mean you should take classes that teach new things but make sure they intrigue you.

4.) “Do what you like, not just to boost your credit” -This is like the previous tip, they mean to do what classes you enjoy while getting enough credits.

5.)“Learn to take time for yourself”. -Through highschool you will have a very tight schedule with a lot more homework from before but harvard advices you make sure you have enough time for yourself.`

In our community our middle school is doing a good job of setting us up for a smooth transition to high school. They help us schedule our classes months in advance, we went over our schedule 3 times to make sure we were positive we picked classes that were just right for us. They went in depth to each class, they also stated that some classes may be difficult for some. That's why for any honors classes or difficult elective classes you need to have a teacher recommendation. They want everyone to succeed in high school, they give you a tight freshman schedule but they also make sure you have room to choose what goes into your tight schedule making sure you enjoy it.

Overall transitioning to high school is hard but you just gotta get through it. As Franklin the turtle once said, don't be afraid to take risks and talk to new people. High school will most likely be scary at first but once you follow the advice that has been given your high school transition will be a breeze. When you get acquainted with your high school you'll fit right in and you'll feel silly for even worrying about the transition in the first place. Don't worry about the transition just be prepared and everything will be alright in the end.