Issue #7: How To Survive High School - A (messy) Guide

School has started for many people already, but for some people, we’re not quite there yet. (source: me) So, whether you’re a freshman, a sophomore or a senior student, tips to survive another school year are always useful. This is not a perfect guide, but hopefully it helps you survive without losing your mind.

Be yourself.

I know it can be hard for most people (especially for freshmen) to be yourself (and not fall for peer pressure), but as long as you stay true to yourself, not only school will feel better, but life in general too. If you’re alt, show off your niche with your clothes and overall style, don’t be afraid to stand out.

Make friends.

Making friends is a great way to not feel alone. They don’t necessarily have to be people you frequent classes with, but even someone that you keep seeing in the halls. Talk to people who are alone, even if you’re an introvert. Making friends is as easy as asking “What class are you in?” or complimenting their shirt.

Shower often, keep yourself clean.

Being clean improves your mood and mental health, and keeps you from smelling like a sewer rat. If you struggle to make friends, this could be one of the things that is keeping you from making actual friends. No one wants to stay close to someone who smells, right? So do yourself and others the favor of Washing Your Pits And Bits. Use deodorant too.

Keep yourself out of drama.

It's high school, and it can happen that someone really envies you so they make up a rumor about you to tear you down. Don’t answer it. The less you care, the less other students will care. If someone bullies you, tell a trusted adult about it, and if you’re the bully, apologize. Reflect on what you’ve done and repent. Bullying fucking sucks. Your victim may not forgive you, but if you’re willing to change and make up for your actions, they might.

Don’t let bad habits get to you.

If you smoke, tend to pull all-nighters, skip breakfast to eat junk from the vending machines, it might be time to work on these bad habits that negatively affect your health and performance. Take actual time at home to eat something before you go to school. Stop smoking. Sleep 9-10 hours a day. (You’re a teenager, you need sleep. Trust me.) That way, you also stop wasting money on stuff that’s not good for you. (Or at least, waste less. If you’re addicted to smoke or something else, seek professional help.)

Do your homework.

I know that you probably don't like to hear this, but doing your homework actually helps 1. understanding what you’ve been told in class and 2. show your teachers that you’re actually trying. Plus, if you do your homework in dead times at school, you’ll have less to do at home, and have more time to do what you enjoy.

Take time for yourself.

School is tiring. I understand that. So, learn to listen to your body and don’t overwork yourself. If you’re struggling to complete your homework/project/whatever you’re doing, let the teacher(s) know in advance, and don’t show up on presentation day empty-handed. Also, try to go for a walk at least once a day. Whether it’s walking to/from school or around the neighborhood, even little exercise is always good exercise.

Get in a romantic relationship.

(If you’re interested)

If you want to date, go for it! High school crushes and relationships are fun, even if they don’t last forever. Hang out with them, invite them to the movies, and even study together if you feel like it. (If you’re going to have sex together, remember to always use contraceptives. Teen pregnancies and STDs are no joke.)

Remember that the teachers are human too.

Teachers are not robots whose only purpose is to teach and give grades, but they’re people. Don’t be an asshole to them, please. There’s a teacher shortage right now, and the ones who are there are most likely doing it out of passion, because being a teacher pays very little. Talk to them, ask about the lessons you’ve done, or even just a simple “Good morning" when you pass by them in the hallways.

Have close friends that don’t make you feel like a burden.

You can be friends with assholes if you want, but if they’re in your close friends circle, you better get better close friends, because a “close friend” whose purpose in life is to tear you down, are they even your friend? Be friends with positive people. (It’s better to be friends that laugh with you rather than laugh AT you.)

At the end of the day, school is just another part of life. Do your best, and take care of yourself while you’re having fun. Don’t forget: this isn’t a competition, and none of this defines your future. Survive it, and you win.

I should probably follow this guide myself.

-Dam