As the school year winds down, incoming freshmen are preparing for their first year of high school while excited seniors are getting ready for their next big step. To help them navigate the big transitions that will happen next year, students and counselors offers advice to aid in a smooth start.
“High school classes matter,” counselor Mr. Logan Waite said “You can either dig yourself a hole, or give yourself a good foundation to start on for the rest of your high school career.”
The first year at Lincoln Southwest is important to develop good study habits. Failing first year may make it difficult to succeed later on.
“High school can be scary, but you’ll get through it,” senior Jacob Snow said. “Keep up with your work and don’t procrastinate. If you don’t know how to do something then ask for help.”
Students and counselors find it very important to stress the idea of not waiting until the last minute, and getting help when it’s needed. Getting work done on time is a habit that is beneficial to form early on.
“Take it seriously. If you don’t think you have good study skills, reach out to your resources,” Waite said. “Counselors are a great first step, but teachers and administrators are awesome as well.”
As for seniors, it is just as important to reach out to somebody when you need help. Not just in the academic sense, but life can be very overwhelming after high school.
“If you’re struggling a lot, make sure you ask for help,” counselor Mr. Anders Peterson said. “A lot of students struggle with asking for help, but it’s important to tap into those support systems when you need the help.”
Another important thing is to be involved in school in a non-academic way. After school activities help build those bonds between people so that students can have a support group when they need one.
“I think high school or college can be really stressful,” Peterson said. “Getting involved on campus introduces you to people with mutual interests.”
Being involved in school non-academically is a shared sentiment across Lincoln Southwest. Many freshmen come to Southwest and meet their closest friends by joining extracurriculars.
“Do all the activities, it’s going to make you lifetime friends,” senior Eden Wilder said. “It’s something to do that’s not just going to class and going home. It makes it all less boring.”
While the new transition may be scary for both freshman and seniors, students should remember that if they work hard they can achieve their goals. When put in a difficult situation, it provides an environment for people to grow.
“It’s okay to be worried,” Waite said. “It’s good to be uncomfortable for growth, the unknown is definitely scary, you’ll be fine.”
