The school year is almost over, and many students will move forward to become freshmen at Ledyard High School. The transition from middle school to high school can feel scary. You might be feeling nervous or start to panic because you don’t know where your classes are or how you are going to make friends. Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous about high school- you aren’t the only one. If you are going to be a freshman this year, and are feeling nervous or don’t have an idea of what to do, and want to prepare yourself, here are 8 tips that can help you to ease the transition from middle school to high school. 

1. Visit Ledyard High School 

The last thing that you want to be worried about is finding out where your classes are located. Getting a tour of Ledyard High School is a great way to get to know where your classes and cafeteria are, and the different hallways that connect to each other.  The best way to prepare yourself is to come to the Freshmen Orientation. It will be helpful to spend time walking to classes and determine the best route to  make you feel comfortable and confident when the first day of school begins. 

2. Be involved in your community 

Getting involved in school clubs or sports is a great way to make new friends and help build up your resume. Not only will it help with your resume, but it can also help you grow as a person and make you become a leader in your community. Ledyard High School offers a variety of clubs that can be helpful when choosing one to be a part of weekly or monthly. For example, Key Club is an amazing club that offers volunteering opportunities and hosts amazing events to help out with the school. One of their most popular events is the Gift Wrapping Fundraiser where they wrap gifts for the Ledyard community. Joining this club will help you get some service hours while also enjoying spending the time with your friends. 

3. Stay Organized 

It is important to always keep track of your homework and keep track of when the due dates are. To stay organized you can buy yourself a planner, write down the due dates on your phone, or use Google Docs in your Chromebook as a planner. There are many ways that you can stay organized and turn in your work on time. Staying organized will help you out not only in school, but also with your future jobs and careers. 

4. Don’t be embarrassed about your passions

 If you are passionate about singing, dancing, playing instruments, or reading don’t be embarrassed. Don’t try so hard to fit in and embrace your hobbies or passions that you enjoy. High school is where you can grow as a person and embrace your talents and passions with everyone around you. 

5.  Advocate for yourself 

Advocating for yourself in school is the most important thing you can do. Never be embarrassed about asking for help when you don’t understand something. It’s better to ask for help than sitting by yourself and not understanding a single thing of what your teacher explained. You can advocate for yourself in many ways by talking to your teacher in person or by emailing them. Don’t be afraid to ask  questions because teachers are always there to help you.

6. Prioritize your mental health 

Remember that your mental health should always be your top priority. If you are struggling with schoolwork, ask for extra help and stay after school or talk to a trusted adult or teacher that you feel comfortable with. 

7. Have Fun!

Have fun and go to school dances. Homecoming can be so much fun, especially if you go with your friends. Homecoming is something that everyone goes to, to dance and have a good time. But, if you aren’t into dancing then go to a choir show or go to Coffee House with your friends. 

8. Remember to not stress out about your future

It’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life or what career you want to pursue. I have known many people who at the start wanted to become a teacher at the start of their freshman year to wanting to become a lawyer and major in political science the fall of their senior year. You have time to explore your options and your interests. 

Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to make mistakes because no one is perfect. There will be times when you may experience failing a test or make mistakes with sports whether it is with track, soccer, swimming, or anything else; remember to always keep your head up. Enjoy the times when you are with your friends and have fun and try to participate in activities. It may seem like four years is a long time, but it will pass quickly. Remember to not let yourself down and embrace your passions and interests.

 Pamela Torres, Staff Writer

Junior Pamela Torres is a staff writer for the 2022-2023 Colonel Newsmagazine. She likes to read Colleen Hover books, take long walks on the beach, and watch the Twilight series for comfort.