Dear Class of 2022,

Congratulations, you’re finally in high school! It can be the worst or best experience of your life depending on what you do during this time.

I entered ninth grade in 2015. Fortunately, I had my older sister, who was a senior at the time, help guide me along. Some of you probably entered high school with an older sibling or cousin, others entered high school with a few friends in the same grade. During this year, I became closer to my older sister since she was one of the only few people I knew in freshman year until I made my own friends later on. Don’t be embarrassed to say “hi” to them when passing by in the hallway. They’ll be the people you depend on the most during this time.

After overcoming those first awkward and quiet classes, freshmen are met with the busy lunches. The first question one asks before even starting school is, “Hey, what lunch do you have this year?” The one answer you should always dread is, “Aw, we don’t have the same lunch together.” My freshman year, I spent my lunch in the quiet and empty second lunch with none of my friends. You should be lucky there’s only two lunches this year, packed with anyone and everyone. You’re bound to find someone you can talk to.

Coming from someone like me, this might seem a little hypocritical because I’m shy myself but high school should be the time when you break out of this shell you are in. It’s important to discover yourself during this time and one way to do so is to join a sport or club. Joining either of these can make you feel like you belong, like you’re at home. It’ll make high school go by easier and faster.

Last but not least, everyone says this but only because it’s true. DON’T SLACK OFF YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR. It’s up to you to keep your grades and GPA up. It’s up to you to manage your schedule. It’s up to you to make this year count. Have fun this year and stay focused!