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. Decide which clubs/activities you’d like to join, and get involved with those organizations. 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, identifying just one or two extracurriculars on which to focus. 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.
2. Meet Your Teachers
It only takes a few minutes to introduce yourself to your teachers, whether it’s through meeting them before/after class or during office hours. This is an essential first step to having the teacher know your name and face. Establishing even a basic rapport with your teach can not only make class easier, it will also help you down the road when you need their help or a letter of recommendation. Remember that teachers want to connect and to help: if you need help, make sure to 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 a sport or just want to maintain a healthy body, it’s important to incorporate a fitness plan into your high school schedule. Consider adding some yoga practice into your day: it can reduce stress, loosen tight muscles and improve flexibility in even a short amount of time.
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.
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 syllabus 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. It all but spells out how to be successful in the class: it’s a truly overlooked key to success! (Bonus: teachers can often tell – and notice! – 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 ahead of time what you want to achieve is worth it. Writing your goals down on paper 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. 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.