The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Freshman Year

By Cici He ’23
LJCDS upper schooler offers advice to incoming freshmen.
Entering high school is an exciting, fun-filled, yet nerve-wracking time. Students aren’t sure what to expect or wonder if their experience will live up to their expectations because of how films such as High School Musical portray and glamorize the experience (there’s no dancing on tables in the cafeteria, unfortunately). But don’t worry, high school isn’t a gloomy time; it’s a memorable four years if you make the most of it. Here is my advice on navigating through high school and having a successful freshman year.

  1. Do everything you want
There is no better time than freshman year to “do everything.” If you have any hobbies or budding interests, dive deeper and explore them. Don’t let your fear stop you from trying new activities because it will be a worthwhile experience at the end of the day. Think about it: You wouldn’t want to miss out on something and regret not participating. I have always loved hip-hop dancing. However, I didn’t join the school dance team for fear that I wouldn’t be good enough. The truth is, it doesn’t matter if you’re not “good enough.” If you’re interested in something, just go for it. After all, you will learn, improve, and most importantly, have fun.

  1. Try your best in academics
While there is a huge jump when going from Middle School to Upper School, it is good to try your best in your classes. It’s OK if you need time to adjust or get extra support from family, teachers or friends, but make sure you do your part in ensuring your academic success. You don’t have to be the smartest student in the room; effort and dedication are all that truly matter. As long as you put in hard work, you will be rewarded. One thing to keep in mind is that it is difficult to maintain a good GPA because it is a build-up of years and years of progress. By trying your best freshman year, you are setting yourself up for success, especially as high school becomes increasingly difficult throughout the years.

  1. Involve yourself in the community
Our LJCDS community offers a great selection of resources such as clubs, flexes, sports teams, and even the possibility of starting your own club (if it doesn’t already exist)! Beyond the school community, you can get involved by doing community service or joining our local San Diego community organizations. By getting involved, you will meet new friends and better understand yourself and your interests. For example, I joined the San Diego Youth Symphony as a flute and piccolo player in my freshman year. Not only did I improve my playing skills and expand my musical knowledge, but I also made some new friends. It is a win-win situation if you ask me.

  1. Have a good balance and have fun
High school can be stressful, so try not to stress yourself out too much. To set yourself up for success in the coming years, having a good balance between schoolwork and free time is essential. I live by the “work hard, play hard” mentality because while school is important, having a life outside of school is equally important. This includes having enough time to hang out with friends and family and getting enough sleep. Balance is key.


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