If you've started reading this article, I'm assuming you've decided to do something with your life, and you're taking a big step that some of your friends and my friends may never take. In fact, since I'm only a freshman myself, it's a step I'm also taking. That being said, this won't be the last or the hardest step we'll take as we work our way through our ninth grade year. You'll come to realize that the roads through high school and to and through college, though exciting, won't be carefree at all.
Maybe you've become a little complacent because school has always been easy. Well, I've got news for you: if you don't prepare yourself for what's to come, your grades could soon be an issue. On the other hand, you might be starting high school with a mediocre record. In that case, you're going to have to step up to the plate. Unless, of course, your goal is to remain positively mediocre. Hopefully, after reading my article you will understand the mindset that I've adopted so that you, too, can overcome the obstacles in freshman year.
I'll begin with the basics. In case you haven't noticed, there are many ways to learn. Just step back and take a look at your academic career. Have you thought about whether or not you learn better by sight, hearing, or example? I know the question seems a little simple, but it's nonetheless important. In my opinion, simply knowing yourself can be a really useful tool for surviving high school and, ultimately, college. Why? Well, it's quite straightforward -- as your courses get more difficult, there will be times when you struggle (maybe it's a first; maybe it's not). At those times, you're going to have to step back and consider these basics we've touched on. Believe me, I already have. I know I learn better by seeing pictures and diagrams, but you're probably different. As an almost preliminary note, think about how you learn. Above all, you need to know yourself to meet the challenges that will come.
You're probably also wondering when you'll meet the "challenges" I keep bringing up. Believe me, they'll arise soon enough. The trick, though, is not to rush into things. As you leave middle school and begin your first year of high school, you should remind yourself to take your classes nice and slow. Take some time to get to know your books, your teachers, and the fundamentals you'll be using in all your subjects. I mean, think about it-familiarizing yourself with how the class operates can be essential to beginning your year.
