What I Learned in my Freshman Year

New friends, new teachers, new community, and new piles of stress.

I think we can all agree that entering high school as a freshman is probably the most exciting, yet scary time of our lives. Is it the teachers? Maybe...friends, peers? Maybe. For me, it was college.

What?! Why? I know I know...I heard that I shouldn't worry or be concerned at all. After all, it's just freshman year, right? No. Please, it's never too early to research colleges and show interest in those schools.

Even as I enter into my Senior year, it's still unbelievable that I'm in high school. Three and half years passed by, but trust me. It literally only feels like a day. Although COVID-19 had ended the school year early for us, you sophomores and freshmen can still have the best high school experience! Ask any senior, but our first years in high school met so many expectations that we never anticipated. Here are just my main takeaways from what I learned in my first year in high school.

Don't Overcommit Yourself

I remember being so stressed. I don't know why I even stressed, but it prevented me from socializing with people beyond my own classroom. I stressed so much about extracurriculars. I'm sure you guys know how important they are in college admissions. BUT don't be a well-rounded student. This is my main takeaway. During my freshman and sophomore year, I joined about EIGHT clubs in a single semester! Gosh...words can't even express how exhausted I was that year. I missed many hangouts with my friends and a lot of sleep. I always came to school with baggy eyes because of the little sleep I was getting. My advice to you is to enjoy your first years. Hang out with friends more when this COVID situation gets better. Maintaining yourself is key to this. Don't stress. Be in clubs that align with your passions and strengths. Again, don't be a well-rounded student. Do what you love and don't overwork yourself. Quality over quantity. Make your time worthwhile in every club or program that you're in. I can repeat this all day, but for the last time, do what you're passionate about.

Be Yourself

I have to admit. One main reason why I was so unhappy and stressed was that I would always compare myself to other great students. Let's be honest here. The competition is real. With the college admissions process getting tougher, students all want to try to be the best. There's nothing wrong with that, but when there is competition, there is also comparison. Just be YOU...or don't look at another peer as a competition and use your friends, the people around you as your motivator. But no one should compete against each other to be the best because the best students are only those that are themselves. They do with what they're happy with and what is true to them. I want you to do the same. Be yourself.

Be Engaged

If you're reading this, then you're already being engaged. But what I really mean here is to know people and get close to those outside of your comfort zone. It's okay to have best friends you're already stuck with, but I want you to explore and meet new people. Socializing has helped me to become the person I am today. The experiences I have shared with multiple people are countless. Even a tiny chat about personal interests is a great memory to experience. Having that tangible human presence with multiple people will shape you into an individual you will never have expected to be. You don't know unless you try. Once again, surround yourselves with more positivity and people. BUT don't compare yourself to them. Motivate and be there for each other.