Some Unorthodox Back to School Tips

*cracks knuckles*

I go back to school on Wednesday, and I was thinking about how I’m going to survive junior year. My freshman year I was a mess until April, but last year I really managed to not want to cry every day and actually smile.

And this is how I did it.

How to Survive School For Real Man:

  1. Be realistic about the first day, but not pessimistic- Your first day of school will be pretty nerve-wracking. It’ll be weird. And uncomfortable. But it’s not hell or the worst thing in the world. It won’t make you cry. You’ll get through it and maybe even enjoy parts of it. You never know.
  2. Actually do your homework. I get it, our educational system is not near top-notch and there are so many issues beyond our control. And that’s the thing, they’re beyond our control. We’re stuck with what we've got for now, and a lot of it actually is useful and good to know, so please pay attention in class and do your homework. Easier said than done, but it’s the best way to get great grades and prepare for exams. I know that you want to protest and not care, but sucking it up and getting it done isn’t as painful as it seems. And it teaches great work ethic.
  3. DO EXTRA CREDIT. ALWAYS. It will always help you. If you happen to have a perfect average then I guess you’re okay, but I’ve never had that experience so idk man
  4. You don’t need to have that many friends. It’s about the quality of those friends, not the quantity. If you only have 2 or 3 friends, but they’re the best friends you could have asked for, then why wish for 10 who are only good for small talk? Stick with the people who are truly there for you and find a “buddy” in each class to share notes with and be project partners.
  5. Teachers love it when you actually ask questions before the day of the test. If it’s a hard lesson and you don’t get it, ask. They may not be able to tell you don’t understand, and they appreciate the fact that you’re self-advocating. Even if you’re the only one raising your hand, ask, because I’m willing to bet my lunch money others who are too shy have questions too, and with that you’re helping them out.
  6. Get involved. There are a crazy amount of ways to get involved with your school, even if you’re not athletic. Find what you’re passionate about and just do it. Getting involved= knowing more people who love the same stuff you do+ a better looking resume+ you might actually have fun. Woah there, fun. And if your school/community doesn’t offer the club/sport/activity you’re interested in, find a supervisor and start it yourself. Major points for that.
  7. Write your homework/teacher reminders down. I had these locker buddies last year who always asked me what we had to do at the end of the day and I told them, but they would often forget it anyway. Get an agenda book, and a pen, and write it down. It’s so majorly helpful I promise.
  8. Keep stuff in your locker to help with a bad day. It could be a small stuffed animal to look at and smile, some fun pens/markers to doodle with in study hall, your favorite book to look over, really anything to bring you up when you’re down. And make sure to spend some time with your friends so they can cheer you up.
  9. GO TO SCHOOL. DO NOT SKIP. I am an expert at skipping school, and it’s actually one of the worst things you could do, because it turns into a vicious pattern and you could get into a lot of trouble. I have now built the skills to force myself-even when I’m feeling allergic to math class-to get up, brush my hair, and make a full day appearance. If it’s a terrible day and you just want to go to the nurse and pretend to puke, go to step 8.
  10. Smile. It’s one of the easiest things to forget but so important to remember, because you actually feel weight coming off your shoulders.

And don’t forget:

Treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s really simple and 100% effective.

Have fun with your last days of summer if you haven’t gone back yet, and Happy Labor Day pals

-ellie ❤