1. The upperclassmen are generally nicer than they seem, and making friends with them can make your high school experience really special. Also, if you’re coming in as an upperclassman, do the opposite! It won’t make you weird, some of the lowerclassmen are awesome. 
2. Build relationships with your teachers, it’ll make your classes so much easier and more enjoyable. Pay attention in class, say hi to them in the halls, laugh at their jokes (even if they’re unfunny), and talk to them about your and their personal life (but only if they are comfortable with it!) Soon enough, you should have a great relationship with your teacher(s)!
3. Do a sport! There are few teams that cut, and even the ones that do are very open to varying skill levels. The connection between teammates here is so strong! (However, I won’t sugarcoat it – steer away from drama and toxicity.)
4. Dress up for Spirit Week!! I don’t care if you “don’t like the school enough to have spirit,” you need to dress up. Nothing is more boring than choosing not to dress up for Spirit Week. Ask your friends or family if they have something you can borrow, go out to the store, dig through your old bin of clothes, whatever it takes. It’s go big or go home!
5. Don’t smoke, especially not in school. Not only the obvious, that it’s bad for you, but the vast majority would hate walking into the bathroom to see a ginormous group hotboxing the place when they just want to use the bathroom. Not only is it highly annoying and awkward, but it is also putting everyone else in danger. 
6. Do not walk obnoxiously slow with all your friends in the hallway. Everyone behind you will hate you. If you don’t want to get to your class early, then do an extra lap or something.
7. Homecoming can either be the best or worst experience of your life. Honestly, just don’t overthink it because when you do it’s when it gets overwhelming and that’s when the drama starts. Get a cute outfit and go with a date if you want, but it’s just as fun with your friends. Also, girls, if you are going in heels, bring an extra pair of socks. That way you can take your heels off without having your feet out.
8.  Take the classes you’re not sure about. You might actually end up liking them, and if not, the counselors here are very good at trying to find a better match for you!
9. This might be a minor or stupid tip, but honestly don’t try to use the vending machines. They steal so much of your money it’s insane. If it does, be sure to report it to the office.
10. Bring snacks to school! I would not be able to get through my days without something to eat occasionally because classes are so long and it feels like forever before lunch. Eating will help you focus and do better in classes, and luckily many teachers here will let you eat in class!

Emma Golembeski, Staff Writer

Sophomore Emma Golembeski is a staff writer for the 2022-2023 Colonel Newsmagazine. She is a hurdler for the Ledyard indoor and outdoor track teams and loves to read. In her free time you can find her scrolling on TikTok or binge-watching true crime documentaries. She likes to tell people that one of her many personality traits is that she is obsessed with Pitbull.