As we get towards the end of the 2025-2026 school year, many students are saying goodbye. However, they wouldn’t have gotten where they were without starting at the beginning, with a little help.

Here are some words of wisdom from a once cynical freshman who survived the year and maybe had a little fun while doing it.

1. Charge your Chromebook (Please.)

For some reason most of the teachers get panicky when kids bring their Chromebook chargers to school and pass them around. This may sound insane, but I found that the best way to avoid the awkward situation is to charge your Chromebook. I also stopped bringing my charger to school about 2 weeks in, it hasn’t failed me since.

Also, bring your Chromebook. All of this charging might leave your computer in a hidden place so always remember to return it to its rightful place: firmly between your shoulder blades, pressing into your back, regardless of what type of bag you have. If you’re in school carrying your backpack and it feels light or comfortable, I’m sorry to tell you that you might have left your Chromebook somewhere. 

2. Walk on the Right Side of the Hallways.

This may sound obvious, but the school hallways can be a bizarre place. The easiest way to get around the school is the right way. You might be stared at for not moving quickly on the stairs, but you are at risk of being murdered if you don’t walk on the right side of the hallway.

3. Don’t Stress about the Waterfall.

It may seem that your schedule is incredibly hard to memorize and it is inconsistent and constantly changing, but it really isn’t so I promise you’ll get used to it. Just remember that you always have your next class. 

4. Find your Transition Friends.

Transition time is for you, don’t be afraid to use it. Throughout the early days of my freshmen year, I noticed my friends’ pathways around me, and I found a way to work a quick conversation or at minimum a friendly wave into each transition. Now, I look forward to passing my friends in the halls, even if I only see them for a few seconds. It takes my high school experience from boring to vaguely Disney-Channel-Esque. 

5. Dress for your Classes, Not Always the Weather.

I’m all for wearing weather appropriate clothing but sometimes you can experience different climates within one day at Winthrop High School. Some rooms are always warm while others are Antarctic. Always be aware of this and don’t be afraid to let that influence your wardrobe. 

6. Actively Miss Out.

You don’t have to participate in every single school event. It’s ok if something “isn’t your jam.” I would recommend, however, actively missing out. It is a phenomenon that I appreciate. If you aren’t doing something, take advantage of that opportunity to do something else. Missing out can be cool if you make it to be that way. 

“I’m not going to that school thing.”

“Really? Me neither!”

“Let’s go rob a bank!”

See, it’s easy. Your only opportunities to make memories won’t be $10 entrance fee banquets or themed socials, I promise. 

7. Be Flexible.

One of the most important skills in life is the ability to constantly shift gears. Continuing on with this analogy, high school is like off-roading in a Toyota Corolla. Be prepared for many different outcomes. You might show up to lunch, and your table is literally and physically not there. Other days your gym teacher might take you outside in 50-degree weather. Just complain minimally and push forward. 

8. Learn How to Write an Email. 

Being able to quickly and efficiently write to your teachers is another vital expertise to gain. Sometimes you’ll have to reach out for some reason, being able to do that in a way that you’re proud of feels great. Your teachers really don’t mind getting emails, or at least they seem to not, so get used to writing them. Also, I don’t want to scare anyone but life after school exists. Your job might require you to be good at connecting with people, now is a good place to start.

9. Ask for Help.

I’m sorry that this might just be the most cliche piece of advice that anyone can give you, but it is for a reason. Teachers are there to answer questions, not stand around awkwardly and talk to a room of brick walls. Don’t be afraid to come after school if you miss something or need any extra explanation.

10. Try New Things.

High school is the perfect time to branch out and do things that you’ve never done before. Maybe not rob a bank but one could do something wild like join the school newspaper club! Find your people. One of my favorite things is having friends that I do certain activities with that don’t even know what classes I’m in and having other friends that I may sit with for 70 minutes, 4 times a week, that don’t know what my dad looks like. Branch out and be friendly. 

Don’t Panic! You’ll be fine!

Hopefully, you won’t find all of these tips incredibly repetitive. Get used to it though, there’s only so much you can say about high school without giving away too much.

I have genuinely had so much fun. I have met new people, made new friends, joined activities, and found things that I enjoy doing and learning about. Some days it’s hard, I have a lot of homework or a particularly annoying gym class, but I find something to laugh about and keep going. High school isn’t supposed to be perfect or super cliche, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t make the most of it.

I promise, from one freshman to the next, you will be absolutely fine. Who knows, you might even learn something.