Hello Tahoma Freshman, 

My name is Kylie. I’m a proud writer and editor for Tahoma News, I’m a senior this year and on my way out of this school into the real world. But before I go, I wanted to share some high school tips, tricks, and rules to live by with all of the classes, starting with you guys.

Since I don’t know how long I’m gonna have your attention, I’m gonna start with the important things. The number one thing to remember at high school is this: Everyone is too busy worrying about themselves to worry about you.

Now, don’t take this the wrong way, people do care about you.  What I’m trying to say is that you’re going to do a lot of stupid things throughout high school, but you need to remember that people are too focused on the stupid things that they have done to worry about the stupid things that you have done. So if you think you’ve made a fool of yourself for messing up in that presentation or said something a little too stupid or a little too loudly during lunch, seriously, you’ll be fine.

Next up are some habits you’re going to need to keep up. I know you are probably rolling your eyes right now and wondering when this became freshman success, but let me finish. I’ve been where you are and I’m letting you know the actual important habits of highly successful teens, starting with:

Check. Your. Email.

Most teachers will opt to communicate with you through email rather than in person in high school so it’s important to check it.

Next is to use your power hour wisely, some of you may be like me and get stressed to ask questions during class, and that’s totally fine, but if you don’t ask questions during class the next best time to get help and clarification from the teacher is power hour, so use that thing wisely.

Additionally, I urge you to work with your teachers, your teachers want you to do good in the class. If you ask your teacher for help, for extra credit, or for grade retrieval opportunities most of the time your teachers will give that to you. People do not want you to fail.

At this point I think I’ve talked about almost everything, I mean there are the classics like stay organized and don’t stand still in the hallways, but some things you have to learn on your own. With that being said, Freshmen, you have the rest of high school ahead of you, it will be hard, you will be tested, both literally and figuratively, but ultimately you will have fun. So, good luck freshman, I’m out.

     With love,

            Kylie Miller