Lessons for Freshmen

As the year drew to a close last spring, the class of 2014 sat down to offer some advice for the new freshmen, the Class of 2018.  We posted some of the more useful pearls of wisdom in March, but we think some of their suggestions are so good that we should offer some of them - both the serious and hilarious - once again.  So here are some of our favorites!

• Take it one day at a time. Grades matter but so does your sanity. Competing with other girls about grades is pointless.
• Take advantage of help class. You're teachers really are there to help you. In fact, you are surrounded by people who want to help you.
• Don't waste your study halls. 
• Freshman year is meant to be a transition year - just because you got all A's in middle school doesn't mean that will necessarily happen in ninth grade.  And that's okay.
• Do your homework. No, really. Do your homework.
• You're probably going to lose friends. That's okay; you'll make more.
• Take some classes that you love. Don't let the focus of your high school career be padding your transcript. You will get into college, so breathe.
• Work on making strong friendships that have good foundations. That's what will you get you through the next four years.
• Don't be afraid to try new things! Get out of your comfort zone.
• Remember that everything is going to work out. Maybe not today, but it will! 
• Get involved and then continue to do the things you truly enjoy. Not only will this give you some great essay topics for college applications, but you will have a blast meeting new people and taking a break from school work.
• Do what you do with purpose.
• Don't skip the dances and other social events.
• Being attached to boarders is tough - they aren't always here. Hangout with your friends more and that boy less.
• Girls can be mean sometimes, but one good friend is better than five fake ones.
• Branch out and make friends with some upperclassmen. They aren't as scary as you think.
• Don't keep putting things off - studying, getting involved, etc.
• You probably aren't going to marry that guy that asked you out, so save your "I love you's" until you actually know what it means.
• Take your friend for ice cream if she's sad. If she doesn't like ice cream, do it anyway. Just don't let her sit home alone. Ice cream and Disney movies cure everything.
• Be a friend to the girl who looks lonely.
• Do. Not. Cry. About. Boys. They're not worth it. 
• Realize that the cookies are 150 calories each.
• Embrace your awkwardness - people will appreciate it one day.
• Modest is hottest.
• Make your own story different from others. 
• Talk to your parents; tell them stuff. They are way cooler than you think.
• Don't take a single day for granted because before you know it, you will be graduating. Cherish the days you have at GPS. It is a very special place.

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