For those students entering into the Upper School from Middle school, there has most likely never been a more exciting time in your life. You have been anticipating and preparing for this year and now that it’s here, you’re bursting with eagerness. However, just as your first year of true teendom can be exciting it’s easily just as nerve wracking. No need to worry, I’m here to fill in the blanks of what all those high school original Disney Channel movies couldn’t.

1. You’re going to think health class is a joke- don’t. Everything you learn in there is going to most likely be more applicable to your life than most math classes.
2. People who say they don’t work hard and still get good grades are either lying to you or are geniuses. Either way don’t compare yourself to them.
3. You are absolutely not too cool for anything. One great thing about our school is how we’re all able to be in a variety of different clubs and organizations that we all take part in.
4. No upperclassmen is going to beat you up or throw you in a trash can. This was a very real fear of mine as a freshmen and I can assure you it never happened to me or anyone else at our school.
5. Your peer mentors want to help you -that’s why they signed up for the job! Come to them for advice with anything and I guarantee they will try their best to help you.
6. Pay attention in class and do your work. This is the last year of your life where you get rewarded for doing the bare minimum- so do it.
7. The upperclassmen are not as scary as you think. The school is small enough that your close friends may end up being in different grades! Besides, you will inevitably have to ask one you don’t know if it’s GH or HG.
8. No one knows if it’s GH or HG.
9. School spirit is very serious and must be treated with the utmost importance. When it comes to spirit week, and football games go all out. See number 3.
10. Learn the alma mater. There’s nothing quite like an impromptu break out of kids singing the alma mater after the football team has a win.
11. If you are taking an honors class and averaging anything below a B- drop it. Your GPA will thank you your senior year.
12. Your freshman homecoming dance experience is probably going to be horrifyingly awkward. It builds character and it’s going to be a great story someday.
13. No teacher is as scary as you think. Even Mrs. Dunn is a big softie deep down.
14. Remember to stay focused on your work and have fun. Get ready for some of the best four years of your life and welcome to the tribe!