As we approach the end of the school year, juniors and seniors are able to reflect on their time at UPrep. Juniors and seniors have shared their insights on what they would say to their 9th-grade selves as they reminisce about their own transitions into high school. Although this advice is primarily aimed at freshman students and their families, all students can benefit from these lessons as they navigate transitions and opportunities of their own. 

Putting Yourself Out There and Building Quality Friendships

Putting yourself out there and being open-minded allows you to bond with a wide range of people. Finding friends with different interests from you may provide you with new experiences and the opportunity to learn from one another, building a diverse and well-rounded support system. 

"My 9th grade self really needed to learn how to put myself out there. At the time, talking to new people and trying new things didn’t feel worth the effort to me. Luckily, I learned fairly quickly that I should just do everything I can. While there is a limit to this philosophy, I think that the best approach is to sign up for everything that interests you and see how it goes. High school is a great time to discover new interests, so why not take advantage of that?” –Claire C., senior

"Building quality friendships takes trial and error. I messed up so many relationships during middle school, but I grew through it. Find people who accept and celebrate you. In high school, I learned that those people don’t need to share the same interests as you! In fact, it’s fun to have friends that are really different from you. It’s difficult, I know, but it’s really empowering to have people by your side who you can count on.” –Julia C., senior 

 "I would tell my 9th grade self that it’s ok to lose friends. Sometimes it takes time to find your people and at the end of the day everything will turn out OK. It is a waste of time to try and force relationships that aren’t there, it is more important to have a group of people you truly love.” –Priya D., senior 

Dealing with the High School Homework Load

Transitioning into high school means taking on a more rigorous workload. Students must find ways to balance this academic change of pace with extracurricular and social activities as they move through high school. Recognizing that your teachers are resources for you will open up doors for support and resolution. 

"One thing that I haven't fully grasped until junior year is the importance of communication. I think learning to talk with your teachers and advisors ahead of time about homework or class materials will set us up for success. Not only does this habit help establish a closer connection with your teachers to show that you care for your classes, but it also helps expand your understanding in different ways.” –Marina H., junior 

"I would tell my 9th grade self to reach out to teachers as much as possible. Sure, this is very helpful in gaining a better understanding of the material, but we also are very fortunate to have such amazing people as teachers. There is so much to learn from them both about their class and not. So, I wish my past self would have asked for help not just for the sake of my work in the classroom but for the sake of learning about what kind of person I want to be.” –Claire C. 

"I'm a huge procrastinator, so my saying this is kind of shocking, but do your work as soon as you get it and if not, take complete advantage of the office hours and breaks you have. Also, if you can take a free period or study hall (I did both), take it. I think they really helped me to organize and stay on top of my work. Asking teachers for help, though scary, is the best thing you can do if you're having trouble. Nine times out of 10 they want you to go up to them just so they're not getting paid to talk at us, hoping we understand. (Teacher's words not mine). If you truly aren't comfortable with going to teachers, you can always lean on your friends as well.” –Shayrielle C., senior 

"In terms of homework load, stay on top of it. You can make it a 'tomorrow issue,' but make sure that the tomorrow issue doesn’t turn into a 'next week issue.' It’s not worth the stress. But prioritize your sleep and life balance first. Sometimes, it does get to be too much, but your teachers are understanding. They understand that you have a life, and that it has its downs. If you have something going on that is preventing you from doing your work to the fullest of your potential, don’t be afraid to let your teacher know. Email works just fine. If you need help making that first step, your advisor or one of the amazing counselors can help with that.” –Jennifer B., junior 

Gaining Independence  

Learning how to navigate responsibility and autonomy is important, but it is always okay to lean on your support system and ask for help when needed. 

"Independence can feel really exciting AND scary. When I get overwhelmed, I try to make to-do lists. It almost feels like I’m a teacher giving myself assignments. Splitting my work into bite-sized pieces makes tasks easier to digest and work through. I’d also say that being independent doesn’t mean that you can’t ask for help! Sometimes you reach your max, and it’s okay to get support. You’re not alone.” –Julia C. 

"I would tell my 9th grade self that all you can ever do is be responsible for yourself. You cannot blame people for your own bad study habits, and sometimes it takes a few bad grades to realize you need to manage your time better. I am an extremely busy student with sports and school, and I sometimes had to sacrifice social events for school. In the moment it was sad, but I realized that it was OK.” –Priya D. 

"Find what works well for you and if something works well for your friends it doesn't always mean it will work well for you.” –Beatrix M., junior 

Growing From Difficult Experiences

Experiencing struggle teaches students to persevere, reflect, and grow into better versions of themselves, preparing them for future transitions and life changes.   

"Lean on your village: friends, family, anyone you trust to talk to. There are many hardships through high school and no matter how much you think you can take them on alone, you can't. You're going to need someone who you can vent to, people who can help you put yourself back together and remind you of how great you are. Always remember everything you've already accomplished and overcome so you never forget what you're capable of.” –Shayrielle C.

"Throughout high school, I experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. Tough experiences revealed many of my core values that I hadn’t considered before. Difficult times suck, but you will come out okay. Sometimes, I’ve needed explicit reminders that everything will work out in the end. I have a shirt that just says 'Alive.' on it that I wear for a lot of tests to help me chill the heck out.” –Julia C. 

This is cliché, but you aren’t alone. Yes, it is really tough to go through, but it is worth finding that support system. It ultimately teaches you that you are a stronger person than you think. It is also a good reminder that there are people that are willing to help you get through those rough patches. You’ll feel alone because you are going through whatever it is by yourself, and no one knows. But trust me, someone out there is willing to put the time and effort into making sure that you can be the best that you can be. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Advocate for yourself. That’s another important skill you will need throughout high school." –Jennifer B. 

"Going into high school, I have never expected to encounter social problems between friends or academics, but to be honest, I did this year. I am really glad that I get to experience many different types of challenges every day in school because I have reflected upon myself quite often. One piece of advice that I am still sticking to this day is to give myself time and allow myself to talk with friends around me for advice. The school counselor's office is also available whenever you need to step out of the classroom environment or want to seek some wisdom from super understanding staff.” –Marina H. 

Being Kind to Others 

It is important to recognize that you are not alone in your transition to high school. There are many classmates going through similar experiences to you. Prioritizing kindness will lead to a more inclusive and supportive environment. 

"Throughout high school, my annual January 1st resolution has been to be kinder than I was the previous year. Everyone’s just on their own track, living their own lives. There’s no reason to judge people for just existing. If someone’s being mean to you, try to ignore the situation or reach out for support.” –Julia C. 

Read more blogs in our student life series.