High School

[SamohtCela]

This year, I'm going to be a freshman in High School. I am more nervous than anything cause of this. I know there's alot more pressure and work in high school. I'm also worried about what catagory I fit in, I know there are the Popular kids and the Outsiders and whatnot. I always got picked on in Middle School and I know i'm probably going to get picked on this year. I don't know how I'm going to put up with it this year espically all the new things that I have to come across this year.

[Switchback]

Heading in with the mindset of negativity will probably lead to it. Since you were bullied previously, and are now fearing the same, of course you're going to be nervous. However, you're heading to a new school (right?), so you can make a new start.
You have a summer to work on building some confidence and boosting yourself esteem. So, try out new activities/hobbies etc, to meet new people and become more comfortable with yourself. Forget worrying about which "group" you fit into. These labels are meaningless. Be friendly and willing to speak to others and just make some new friends. Many individuals will be feeling how you are. Almost everyone was nervous about joining a new school, college, university. It's natural.

In regards to "putting up" with bullying, quite simply, don't. Don't be ashamed to speak to someone about the matter. No one should have to suffer through bullying. Although, unfortunately, many of us do. And many, probably like yourself, suffer in silence. That'll just make it worse. I'm not sure what resources you'll have available over there, but you should be able to speak to a teacher about the matter.

And yes, there's going to be a lot more work. So, stay focussed.

Good luck with it. Feel free to send a PM if you ever need someone to talk to and such.

[SamohtCela]

Overall, yes I'm heading to a new school. I know it's going to be hard get used to and I know that there is alot of work this year. I'm afraid of how it's all going to go this year.

[Switchback]

Back then, I was just as worried as you. And, I assure you, once you're settled, you'll be fine. It'll probably take a week or so, but you'll be fine. The nervousness is completely normal. I won't say "don't be nervous", as that's easier said than done, but just keep in mind that others will be feeling the same. So, perhaps you can use that to your advantage and try speaking to those who seem very shy and nervous to initiate conversation. You'll make a new friend, and you'll help someone else settle in as well.

[Fox]

Switchback is right about the negativity. You gotta stay positive about things :) High School is where pretty much you find yourself and have an idea of what you want to do with life. As far as academics, it's not hard you just gotta know how to get good grades for colleges. That's really the most important part. I used to work too during high school and it was sometimes tough for my social life, but I still could fit stuff in.

Mannn, I remember my freshman year in high school but I gotta say my favorite year was sophomore year simple because I skipped my senior year.

Good luck :)

[Disturbedthoughts]

I agree with what's been said so far, I would also put forth the idea of joining a club or something of the like. My favorite part of high school was my time spent in theater. Acting and backstage work. The negative aspects of high school truly are exaggerated. High school is just a bunch of socially awkward people going through the most awkward of ages trying their best to have a good time.

[minuteforce]

Just remember, everyone else is going through the same thing. :)

[Sarah]

I was scared as hell when I first entered it. What scared me the most was all the girls and such peer pressure you were under to do well in fashion and yet, being dumb was the thing for the first few years and if you weren't, you were a nerd. But that soon changed, in Year 10 + no one gave a damn about what you wore it was all about intelligence. If you survive high school, as its a peek for teenagers to express themselves and to experience what the real world is kinda like, I say you're a legend. It isn't impossible nor is it easy.

[Harlz]

Best and worst time of your life.
By the end of it you'll have learnt that cliches can actually be true: 'you won't be happy until you start being yourself'

[Arlene]

Just stay positive. I wouldn't let the popular 'which clique do I fit in?' thing worry you...it's not important. Just work hard through your classes, because that's what truly matters. As someone already said, it's a new start, so just be friendly and open with everyone as opposed to freaked out and closed off because you're afraid of what people will think of you.

Plus, as I did, you'll find that the "popular" crowd are the ones that you roll your eyes at and wish would get a life. For me, my senior year in high school this past year, all those people would yell and cheer through the hallways because they were seniors- in my opinion, they're the so-called "losers." (I bet they're so excited to graduate because they have shit for brains and never thought they'd graduate...ha ha.)

So basically, focus primarily on school and remember to keep yourself open to new people. Don't close off because you're afraid of judgment. :)

[Timothy]

High school is what you make of it. Just work hard and try to make the best of the experience. Will there be assholes? Sure (they're everywhere). But you can rest easy knowing they probably won't amount to shit in life.

Stay focused, stay friendly, and do your thing.

[Louis]

This year, I'm going to be a freshman in High School. I am more nervous than anything cause of this. I know there's alot more pressure and work in high school. I'm also worried about what catagory I fit in, I know there are the Popular kids and the Outsiders and whatnot. I always got picked on in Middle School and I know i'm probably going to get picked on this year. I don't know how I'm going to put up with it this year espically all the new things that I have to come across this year.

I'm going to give you a few tips, since I just now graduated from high school.

1) Don't try to put yourself into a "social group." The goal isn't to be popular in high school, but nor is it to isolate yourself. You want to make friends but not for the reason of trying to gain some sort of social status, but more so to have people to make your way through high school with. High school is supposed to be fun.

2) I barely got picked on in high school, and so I doubt that you will. Hang around your friends often if you want to avoid this. If you're worried about making friends...

3) GET INVOLVED. This is the biggest piece of advice anyone will ever give you. Join a couple of clubs that pertain to your interests and you will be very surprised how quickly you'll make friends in those clubs. I joined Marching Band and ever since then, all of my friends have been from that group. It's a group that makes me happy, so be careful in how you choose. If you're not happy, you're in the wrong place. Getting involved in clubs and making friends through those clubs will eliminate chances of peer pressure. People who have the same interests as you tend to understand you better as a person.

4) Just make sure to take care of your work. Honestly, the workload isn't *that* bad, contrary to popular belief. I took 4 AP's and 3 Honors classes (as a senior, mind you) and I made it through just fine. If you take everything one step at a time and if you don't panic, you'll be okay.

5) Don't care about what other people think of you. High school isn't this place where everyone is out to get you, so don't look at it that way. It's a place for you to find yourself as a person, find what interests you, make new friends that you could potentially have for the rest of your life, and a place for you to thrive. There's nothing for you to be scared about, I promise.

6) Don't skip class, don't sleep in class, and make sure you take good notes. Cliche, I know, but these are so valuable.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. A lot of us have been where you are, and we're all more than willing to help you out. But really, it isn't so bad. I promise you will have it a lot easier than you're worrying about.

[Minus]

Another tip:

Learn to play at least 2-3 songs on piano and/or guitar. Songs that everyone knows from their childhood or love songs work well.

Play them at your talent show.

Congratulations, you have just won high school.

[Theazninvasion68]

You'll be fine.

1) Be somewhat social.
2) Be honest with yourself. Don't lie or any of that crap.
3) Find people and just be friendly. Friendliness tends to lead to friends.
4) Be aware. They'll be bullys and cliques and everything. So what? If you happen to be in one, cool man! If not? You're not missing out hahaha.
5) Focus on school work. There's plenty of time to just mess around. Save it for when it's appropriate.
6) Don't give in to drugs. If someone offers, decline. :P
7) Dont sweat it. You'll be fine. :lol:

[_cam_]

High School is fun! It's ok to feel nervous at first day eventually you'll be used to it and you'll get lots of friends. Treasure the real friends you'll meet because they are for keeps. Maintain balance between your social life and studies. Don't let someone step on you.

Bring it on! Aja! :D

[Todd]

Holy shit this thread makes me feel old....

[Minus]

I know right?

[Jen]

Holy shit this thread makes me feel old....

How old are you?

Edit: never mind, I found out. And what I wouldn't give to be 24.

[Todd]

24. I entered my freshman year 10 years ago :lol:

[Jesse]

I turn 23 this year and I feel so fucking old reading this. It is depressing.


:lol:

[kidOhri]

24. I entered my freshman year 10 years ago :lol:

you start high school when you're 14? which grade is that? cause i was 10 when i went to the "Gymnasium", which can be compared to high school...

[OkamiSensei]

you start high school when you're 14? which grade is that? cause i was 10 when i went to the "Gymnasium", which can be compared to high school...
High school starts at grade 9. :)

[Todd]

you start high school when you're 14? which grade is that? cause i was 10 when i went to the "Gymnasium", which can be compared to high school...

9th grade.

In the US, Kindergarten-5th grade is elementary school, 6-8th grade is middle school (or some call it junior high school) and 9-12 is high school. Then the length of college/university depends on what you're doing, for most people, it's 4 years. If you go to a 4 year college and don't skip a grade (really smart) or get held back a grade (really dumb) then you're 22 when it's all said and done (or rarely 21 or 23 depending on when your birthday is and when your parents first enrolled you in kindergarten, for most, it's 22 though).

[OkamiSensei]

9th grade.

In the US, Kindergarten-5th grade is elementary school, 6-8th grade is middle school (or some call it junior high school) and 9-12 is high school. Then the length of college/university depends on what you're doing, for most people, it's 4 years. If you go to a 4 year college and don't skip a grade (really smart) or get held back a grade (really dumb) then you're 22 when it's all said and done (or rarely 21 or 23 depending on when your birthday is and when your parents first enrolled you in kindergarten, for most, it's 22 though).
Interesting, at the school I went to, Elementary was K-6, and Junior High started in 7th grade.

[Todd]

Interesting, at the school I went to, Elementary was K-6, and Junior High started in 7th grade.

Interesting indeed, maybe it depends on the school district.

[Sarah]

High school starts at grade 9. :)

Year 7 here.

[kidOhri]

ah ok^^ here it's 1st - 4th grade elementary school and then either 5th - 12th "Gymnasium" or 5th - 10th "Mittelschule"... at "Mittelschule" you can also finish after 9th grade... i went til 12th :)

[Cookie Monster]

Surviving high school all depends on one thing: Not giving a damn what other people think of you, having fun, but not letting it lead to too much trouble.

[[TDWP] Jacob]

I'm a senior is highschool. My advice dude is just do you. Be yourself. odds are there is SOMEONE with common interest in you. My group is really diverse so I can say there is nothing wrong with hanging with people of different catergories. For Instance I'm the "emo" of the group. by the way I dress they say that. My closest friend Justin is a metalhead, my otherfriend Nicky is "ghetto" and our other friend Ponce is really prep. I go to an all boys catholic school so i can't really give a complete full opinion on co ed schools but same basic rules apply I'm sure

[Benjamin]

I'm a sophomore now. Join a club/play sports! That's the greatest way to make friends. Seriously, when High School starts, it can be a fresh beginning. Maybe wear completely different clothes to make a statement that you are going to change if that's what you want! Good luck!

[Sarah]

Surviving high school all depends on one thing: Not giving a damn what other people think of you, having fun, but not letting it lead to too much trouble.

I believe emos/goths conform to that idea.

But yeah you need to give a damn what people think of you to an extent that's why we have shower and wear deodorant. I don't give a damn that I listen to Gaga and heavy metal at the same time and I don't give a damn about the labels I get.

(yes I find it ironic that I used labels there)

[SamohtCela]

I'm actually in Marching Band and I've just had Band Camp this week at my high school. It was a good warmup for the high school. I think I can get through it. But, thanks for all of your support! I appreciate it! :)

[adam.posey]

This year, I'm going to be a freshman in High School. I am more nervous than anything cause of this. I know there's alot more pressure and work in high school. I'm also worried about what catagory I fit in, I know there are the Popular kids and the Outsiders and whatnot. I always got picked on in Middle School and I know i'm probably going to get picked on this year. I don't know how I'm going to put up with it this year espically all the new things that I have to come across this year.


Show no fear. Just go there, do your thing, and get it over with. College is a hell of a lot more fun, friend.

[[TDWP] Jacob]

I believe emos/goths conform to that idea.

But yeah you need to give a damn what people think of you to an extent that's why we have shower and wear deodorant. I don't give a damn that I listen to Gaga and heavy metal at the same time and I don't give a damn about the labels I get.

(yes I find it ironic that I used labels there)

Well YOU can give a damn about what you think of yourself. But who cares what others think. People think I'm a "emo" because I don't talk to them and have a serious face on when I'm not with my friends. i make a smartass comment to someone and they say "go cut yourself" which leads me to replying with a laugh and say "oh like I haven't heard that one before" I mean like I said. Be you. Be happy with you. Who gives a fuck with others think. They only bother you if you let them or show them it bothers you

[LPkillz]

I'm going to a new school too and it's the first public school in America!!!!!! It's Boston Latin School :D. Well it's not all about Latin, but you need to learn it because it's related to other languages. Well back on topic.... you should really express your self more and show who you are. Establish yourself and NEVER give in. There were a couple of kids that called me "emo" just cause I listen to Linkin Park... (wow) also cause I wear black.... but then when I presented my book project, I did this rap thing that summed up the book, and then when it was over they stopped picking on me cause maybe they thought I was related to some gang just cause I rapped......

You can see that people in school judge you and label you on your appearances, on the first day, you should establish who the eff you are and ignore all the negative remarks they give you. And yeah join a club or get into a sport or something.
School starts on September 9th for me :D

[Geoff]

hey mate i'm graduating this year, and i still remember what it was like in first year of high school, it is very important to be yourself, and have self confidence, trust me, i was a fat asian kid back in primary school picked on by year 7's in year 4 and i've grown up with it, low self confidence and shy i had it all :sweating:

but now leaving high school :cool: the "cool" and i emphasise the inverted commas because they aren't as great as they are portrayed to be, don't touch me, in the years before high school i fitted up and grew my own self confidence through taking pride in myself and establishing who i am to myself, know who you are and what you are good at and find confidence through that and then you can put across this confident persona, i did and they don't come bother me and my circle of friends ^_^

you have to be confident and stand up for what you believe in, protect your friends, be loyal, and people will respect you for it, i defended my friends against them first year, i had ALOT of issues with them being the asian kid in a white Aussie school with a voice and standing up for his friends, so i had many stand offs with these people trying to establish themselves as "the cool kids" and you have to remember that

in freshman year (as you call it in america) it is a level playing field, even they will be afraid of nto being "the top of the pack" and mate trust me, you show that you are not afraid, not by starting oin them, but by standing your ground and defending your friends, then you will get the attention of everyone and people will respect you, leave you, want to be friends with you, and the "cool kids" that develop will leave you be

good luck mate, be confident and be yourself, make sure you don't resort to fighting because it never gets you anywhere, when you fight, you fall down to their level and if you stay strong and avoid the fight with words and nerve, you will be respected and even more admired for being able to stand up to them and not be phased by their threats, good luck man! the LP community is behind you :D

[Sarah]

Pfft fighting. Takes a bigger man to walk from a fight than to stay and fight.