Alright so a friend of mine had some important questions and I thought a formal list would help a lot of people.
What classes should I take?
Honnors and AP (Advanced Placement: score a 3/5 or higher on the Final exam and you get college credit). They arent that much harder than the regular classes but NEVER EVER I repeat NEVER sacrifice your physical or emotional health for a class. Start on Honnors and AP classes but if it becomes too much drop down to a regular coarse at the transition between semesters. A B in a Honnors class when you transfer your grade will get boosted to an A in most school systems (in America at least).
Experiment with arts. Most art classes are a participation grade as long as you are actually trying. Even if you aren't great at it at least it will be a nice Destresser/break in your schooldays.
How should I manage my required Volunteer Hours?
Try and get them all done Freshmen and Sophmore year, it's easier than you think. School functions? Volunteer to decorate or run concessions. Local Animal Shelter? Volunteer to walk the dogs!
Do way more than the required amount! It looks good when colleges or employers look at your school history
Homework first, social life and games later.
Do the stuff with the closest due date first and work on your homework when you have time at school.
DON'T BE SCARED TO AST FOR HELP
Personal tips I learned through personal experience and the experiences of those around me:
Romance is not important, especially not Freshmen year. It's just a bunch of extra stress you dont need and the relationships rarely work out.
Don't go to upper classmen parties, do drugs, or drink. It's just a bad idea. I've seen too many kids ruin their lives freshmen year. Just make smart choices.
Believe it or not your parents usually understand. Not all parents, but most. Talk to them, they are just as scared as you are and probably just as stressed. Also parents, don't discredit any of your childs accomplishments or interests. Most likely if they are happy listening to a band or drawing you should pay attention, because sometimes bands and artists can save more kids than a therapist ever can. If it means something to your child, listen to them when they talk to you about why even if you don't understand it at first.
Pay attention in class, and if you get sick a lot fine 1-3 reliable people in each of your classes that pays attention that would be willing to send you class notes and explain a few things when you are absent.
TAKE NOTES. For the love of all things TAKE NOTES and STUDY. It's boring but there are plenty of youtube videos on how to make it easier, or just ask me, my asks are always open!!!
Don't overstressed yourself, put your needs first and get your work done, then worry about your social life. Form study groups. Not the boring kind. Get a few friends with similar classes as you over at your house sometime (once a month or so) and get homework done and study. Order pizza after it's all done and watch a couple movies or play games.
Don't expect to walk out of highschool with the same friends you had going in, people grow and change. The real friends are the ones that no matter how far apart you grow, you always gravitate back together.
Toxic people arent worth it, if they make you feel like you arent worth it or that something is always your fault drop them out of your life. It sounds mean but trust me you are much better off mental health wise once you do
Emotions are ok as long as you dont get in fights.
Join as many clubs as you want as long as it wont hurt your grades or health. Try a little bit of everything.
Don't give up, these 4 years will fly by so fast if you are doing what you are supposed to.
Anyway that's the end of today's post. For any further questions just slide over to the comments or asks and I'll get back to you ASAP. Make sure to reblog, I'm sure this could help someone out there at least a little bit.
