By Derek Hanke

As a freshman, joining in with the ranks of high schoolers can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few good rules you can follow to try and get off on the right foot.

First things first: congratulations on making it through middle school and welcome to Floyd Central! You have been fortunate enough to become a student of an exceptional school with a great staff and with some honest effort you will be on your way towards a successful future. However, there are some things you should take into consideration as a freshman that can help shape your high school career:

1. Avoid Drama

Drama can sour your time in high school more than anything else if you let it. It is easy to get caught up in drama, but it is just as easy to avoid it. If you treat others like you want to be treated, refrain from gossiping, and listen to others more than yourself, you will easily escape any would-be stressful conflicts.

2. Be Yourself

Popularity is not everything. If you choose to act like someone you are not, you’re betraying who you really are. When you look back at your high school career, the friends you make and activities you pursue will all reflect upon your character and who you have become, so don’t worry about others’ opinions of you and just go with your natural character.

3. Come Prepared

Studying and doing your homework is not too much to ask of yourself. If you want to be prosperous later in life, you will put in the effort now. Come graduation, a higher GPA will help you get into the college of your preference. It can also make the difference in your performance in college, because the skills you develop in high school will last you for the rest of your life.

4. Ask Questions

If there is something you do not understand, you should ask the teacher about it. Asking a teacher about a problem you may be having is nothing to be afraid about. Other students may be having the same problem as well, and reviewing it with your teacher can make the difference in class the next day.

5. Socialize

Don’t let your high school career be a rut in the ground. Being social and hanging out with friends is beneficial not just emotionally but mentally as well. Having a few good friends can make the difference between a miserable high school career and a great one. There is nothing to be afraid about, and you don’t have anything to lose.

6. Get Involved

This one ties in with number four, in that the more extracurricular activities you are involved in, the more friends you are likely to have. Being involved also means that you will learn things such as how to work as a team member and operate well under pressure.

7. Have Fun

You only get to go through high school once, so make the most of it. Memories you make here will stick with you for a lifetime and then some. If you come into school with a good attitude and a smile, things will go much better for you. Be ready to come in as opposed to getting out, and you will do great!