The start of the school year can be hectic, but it’s critical to get off on the right foot. Whether you are in your first year of high school or your last, you’ll want to approach your first month of school with a plan. Here are six ways to ensure this school year provides the best support for your future choices and opportunities:
1. Attend Your School Extracurriculars Fair
Many schools hold a club/activity fair at the beginning of the school year. Be open to trying new things, and get involved early. In your freshman and sophomore years, clubs can be used to explore different interests. As a junior or senior, it’s important to narrow the funnel down a bit, focusing on and giving more energy to one or two extracurriculars. Once you find a club/activity that you really enjoy, find ways to make an impact. Leadership positions are great, but being active and collaborating with other club members for a common goal can have impact as well, and initiative is a form of leadership!
2. Meet Your Teachers
It only takes a few minutes to introduce yourself to your teachers: chat with them before/after class or during their office hours soon after the start of school. This is an essential first step to having the teacher know your name and face. Establishing rapport with your teacher can make class easier, and it will help you down the road when you may need their help or a letter of recommendation written. Remember that teachers want to connect and to see you succeed: if you need help, ask for it!
3. Create a Fitness Plan
You don’t have to be a three-sport athlete to get (or stay) fit. Whether you play on a team or just want to maintain a healthy body, it’s important to incorporate a fitness plan into your high school schedule. Studies show that regular exercise improves your energy levels and focus, and positively impacts your mental health, so choose an exercise routine that works well with your schedule, block off that time in your calendar and try your best to stick to your plan. Even if you’re busy, know that just 15 minutes of yoga or other movement can make a difference in your day. Plus there are lots of free apps and videos you can use, making it not only quick, but cost- and equipment- free.
4. Read Your Class Syllabus
Nobody wants to, but everybody really, really should. At the beginning of each course, teachers typically share a class syllabus. That document is your guide for the year, telling you what will be expected of you and sharing course policies, rules and regulations, required texts, assignments and deadlines, and how your grade will be calculated. In a nutshell, it spells out how to be successful in the class: it’s a truly overlooked key to success! (Bonus: teachers can often tell when you’ve read the syllabus. Want to get on their good side? Read. the. syllabus.)
5. Set Academic Goals
Setting goals is one of the keys to succeeding in school. It takes time, yes, but planning ahead and considering what you want to achieve is worth it. Writing your goals down will help you define your thoughts and keep you focused. Be sure that your goals are realistic and attainable, keep track of your progress, and don’t be afraid to revisit and refine your goals as you move through the year.
6. Advocate for Yourself
Up until now, your parents or guardian may have been the person who advocated for you, to your teachers or other adults. Now that you’re in high school, it’s time to develop the important skill of self-advocacy.
If you find yourself struggling with a new concept taught in your class or need more clarification about an assignment, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can attend the teacher’s office hours, arrive early to class to see if the teacher can help you then, or even email the teacher your question.
If you can’t resolve an issue with the teacher on your own, it’s ok to get your parents involved, but start with them as “behind the scene” coaches. Talk through what’s happening with them, and work together to set a plan. You may want/need to also have a meeting with your school counselor or advisor as well. Always remember to speak respectfully and to give the teacher ample time to respond to your concerns.