One week ago: Slowly floating toward consciousness, I begin recognizing the peaceful sounds of a late summer morning greeting me through the open window. As I turn my face to the sunlight now streaming through my bedroom window, I catch a whiff of roses and last night’s rain. After enjoying this simple delight for a few minutes more, I open my eyes lazily and look over at my alarm clock. 9:42. Beautiful.
Yesterday: I’m ripped violently from the sleep it seems I just sank into. Even the sound of my favorite song blaring from the clock radio doesn’t lift my mood at all. I force my eyes open, only to be saluted by darkness. The sole light source glares accusingly at me in red from my alarm clock. 5:42. Hideous.
The differences between summer vacation and the school year are numerous, and they can make for a difficult adjustment. To go from parties to pre-calculus, swimming to science, can be daunting and unpleasant. However, following a few general do’s and don’ts can help make the transition a little easier.
DO: Pay attention the first day or so—this is when teachers talk about their rules and what they expect from you. Not only is this helpful for obvious reasons, but it’s also a good way to get used to paying strict attention when teachers are droning on.
Be nice—even if you’re in a bad mood or if you’re just generally a nasty person, paste on a smile and realize that everyone is trying to readjust. If you go into the new school year with a good attitude, you’ll make new friends and people will be more inclined to help you if you’re struggling or if you get lost.
Remember to bring everything to class—this rule is good to follow all year but especially in the beginning; lots of kids forget their stuff early on and get on teachers’ nerves.
Eat breakfast—I know it’s trite but it is healthy and besides, you’ll need all the help in staying awake that you can get.
Stay on top of your homework—the early-year homework is normally light and you may be tempted to blow it off; don’t. You’ll most likely lose crucial points and make a bad impression. Also, it will warm you up for the massive amounts of homework you’ll have later.
Set yourself apart—somehow make sure teachers recognize you sooner than everyone else, especially in classes you really like. Introduce yourself, say good morning/afternoon, talk about your interests pertaining to that class, etc.—but don’t be a transparent suck up! Do something to get some positive attention and to help them put a face and a personality to your name.
DON’T: Assume that the first few weeks of school are for slacking—although most teachers do go at a slower pace and review some material in the first few weeks, they also lay the foundation for the rest of the year.
Outwardly show your boredom and your desire for summer to return—don’t sit and stare longingly out the window, tap your foot, or bring a sudoku, crossword puzzle, ipod, etc. with you to quell the boredom.
Assume you’ll “get to it later”—if you’re procrastinating now, you’ll be procrastinating later. Trust me; I’m kind of an expert on this.
Miss the bus the first couple of days—everyone does. Then it’s nearly impossible to get to school on time because everyone is trying to cram into the parking lot. This really annoys the parking lot attendants, some of whom may be your teachers.
Make a bad impression early—the first couple days are critical for what teachers think of you for the rest of the year. Don’t be a ninny early on.
Overkill—keep up with your homework as much as possible but don’t try to do too much at once (I know the percentage of people who would actually do that is pretty small, but they need the advice).
Worry—no matter how hard it seems to be to adjust, it always gets better. Nearly everyone who has graduated high school will tell you (and I’m one of them) that by a few months into your freshman year, you don’t know what you were so worried about. By sophomore year, you’re not terrified to enter the building again after summer vacation. And when you’re a senior, no matter what your high school experience was like, there are always at least a few memories that will always make you smile.
