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Guest Column

Starting high school? Relax, you'll be fine

By Kaylee Stark
Published August 7, 2006

Editor's note: Classes begin Tuesday for more than 62,000 students at Pasco's public schools including the incoming freshmen at 10 traditional high schools.

If I knew then what I know now I wouldn't have been so stressed about high school. I have a few tips from personal experience on how to handle school and the life that comes with it.

First-day jitters: Choke back that knot in your throat and calm down. Nervousness doesn't get you anywhere, but confidence will. The more confident you are about making a great first impression on teachers, administrators, and the opposite sex, the more enjoyable the day will be.

Requirements: Take all of your required classes as soon as possible. Life management, physical education and language are not fun courses to have to worry about in your senior year. Also, if you procrastinate on taking them, chances are you'll have to take them in night school because they will be filled up.

Participation: If you can, add extra school activities, whether a club or sport. Aside from meeting new people and getting an extra picture in the yearbook, you'll be helping yourself out when senior year comes and you apply to college. I realize now how important participation is in getting into a university, because I struggled to get into one.

Testing: High school is almost entirely test-based. From standardized tests like FCAT, to the two-page essays on Darwin and his theory of evolution, studying is key. SAT prep is offered by every high school, and truly works to boost your score. I recommend using Web sites like collegeboard.com for tips, information and study courses.

Teachers: As hard as it may be to believe, they are people too. Do not let yourself be the student who is too afraid to ask a question because you are nervous. Also, if you can't grasp the subject matter, stay after class. Extra help not only gets you up to speed, but also shows your instructor that you care about your grades.

Cliques: You know the "Plastics" in the movie Mean Girls ? Sorry to say, but they actually exist in every school. Now, I'm not saying that cliques and an inner circle of friends are always a bad idea, but just be aware of the people with whom you surround yourself because not only do your actions affect how you are perceived, but so do theirs.

Fighting: Always a bad idea. Pasco County has an automatic 10-day out-of-school suspension rule, so don't even try it. Ever.

Procrastination: It is something we will all do at some point. Just don't let it be for the midterm or final exam. Also, if you are one of those compulsive procrastinators, get yourself a planner and always check it.

As I move on to the next chapter of my education, I look back at high school with fondness. Don't let yourself regret any aspect of school; from the Friday night football games, to spirit week and dress-up days. Attend every event that you can and keep yourself focused on graduation. Remember that school spirit is never lame, and learning something new can be quite rewarding.

Kaylee Stark, a graduate of Mitchell High School, is a freshman at the University of South Florida. Her poem "You to blame" is included in the most recent edition of "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul."

[Last modified August 7, 2006, 07:34:37]