How to thrive during your freshman year

Cuniberti's freshmen humanities class, working diligently to complete the task at hand (Sophia Nagra / The Puma Prensa)

By Sophia Nagra, Senior Arts & Entertainment Editor

It’s big, it’s athletic, it’s #1 in the county.

It’s Carrillo. 

Welcome, freshmen, to the beginning of your high school career. Yes, it’s more serious than before, but it’s also so much more fun. If you’re like me, and the idea of high school intimidated and excited you, but you still aren’t quite sure of exactly how it’s different, or what you need to do to not just survive, but thrive– then this is for you.

Don’t procrastinate

I know it can feel much easier to do things as they get closer to the deadline– whether it’s when you remember, or whether you want to keep your eye on the next big thing in front of you. But, think of it this way– your eyes are focused on this beast of stress in front of you, you hack away at it chunk by chunk, exerting a lot of your energy to get it done, relying on a long, restful break after this obstacle has been brought down. But, once you complete it– you look up to realize that an even larger monster is in front of you, and it needs to be done away with tonight. 

While completing your tasks in this way can have short term benefits, and may seem more palatable to your mind in the moment, it reaps long term stress and fosters poor-time management– arguably the hardest part of high school.

I’ll admit, I still struggle with procrastination to this day, but I also have gotten a lot better at curbing it with things like planners and hung up calendars that I use lots of color on, as well as daily to do lists to help my brain manage things in small bites.

Sort these daily to-do lists by priorities (things to do today/tonight/tomorrow or big tests coming up) and things that can wait (small tasks due in a week or so).

Step outside of your comfort zone

Join every club, sports team, and extracurricular you can. Challenging yourself can be so scary, but it genuinely is so, so worth it, and you’ll always regret not trying because you were too scared. Try!

I know it’s scary at first, trust me I know. My entire freshman year I spent locked in my room, finishing homework, barely talking to anyone, with my head down– staying in a group that did not treat me well, just because I was too scared to leave it, and be alone at lunch or break.

Even if this is not the case for you and as a freshman you do have an amazing group of friends at school– I promise it will only hurt you to not try to branch out.

Branch out in every class you’re in. Being in arranged seating is something that upperclassmen genuinely love because we get to sit with and talk to people we don’t usually hang out with at break, lunch, or after school. You can make so many friends very easily just by complimenting them or asking for help on an assignment. No one’s going to think that it’s weird you’re talking to them ever, but especially in that environment.

Have fun, go to events, and get involved.

Keep your space clean. A clear space = a clear mind

I know I probably sound like your mom right now, but genuinely–this has always helped me out. I physically can’t bring myself to get work done at my desk–which is in my room– if it’s a disorganized mess. It’s overstimulating. You may not realize the effect it has on you, but I promise that every item of clothing on the floor, your unmade bed, the carpet that hasn’t been vacuumed in weeks, and the desk with water and coffee stains on it– takes so much away from your ability to function-  and actually takes away from having a clear mind. 

If it feels like you just have too much to do and you need to get started on your work ASAP because things are piling up and the clock is ticking– even better. Cleaning your room will help channel and release/expend some of your anxious energy, and give you a break to decompress in order to come back to your work more focused and less stressed. 

Trust me, this is something I’ve always done, and it pays off every time.

Don’t give up your health for work 

There is always a way to get it done. Even if it seems impossible. Sometimes sacrifices will have to be made, but as long as it’s not your whole year, that’s okay. But, giving up your sleep the night before a test is only going to hurt you. It is scientifically proven.

As I said earlier, time management is arguably the hardest part of high school, and growing up in general. But, the faster and more efficiently you manage it, the less–if anything–you will have to sacrifice.

It is absolutely possible to be smart, social, athletic, and well rounded. By prioritizing all aspects of what makes you, you– I promise it will pay off, both in the short and long term– especially if you plan on going to college.

Connect with your teachers and advocacy

You’ll be seeing these people for basically your entire life for the next four years, and some of them may be writing letters of recommendation for you to get into college or get a job.

Remember your grades matter

Advocate for them. Do your best to keep them up. Even if it seems like you are doing all you can, there’s still always new/more things you can do/try.

However, like I said earlier, don’t do anything at the expense of your health.