When I started at South High School as a freshman everything seemed so scary; the teachers, the building, and especially the other students. Looking back at my 3 years I’ve spent at this school, I realized that nothing was as bad as I dreamt it to be freshman year. Whatever your fears are about South, I will promise you that it won’t be that bad. I hope that all of you incoming freshman are prepared and ready for the next four years and you have the tools to make it the best years of your life. So, to help you get ready for this next year, here are some pieces of advice will help you in South High School. The first thing I can tell you is, breathe. You will survive this.

On your first day- or even first week at South- don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you can’t find your class, can’t find your locker, don’t know where a bathroom is, just ask somebody. Everyone may look intimidating but in reality they are really nice and will be ready to help.

After the bell rings, there’s a strange buzzing sound that comes after. That’s completely normal, don’t freak out.

Memorize the new bell schedule, but don’t stress too much. It’s going to take a while for everyone to get used to it, teachers will understand if you’re late or confused.

The biggest piece of advice for attending South High is to wear layers. We have the luxury of air conditioning but it’s not that comforting when you’re freezing to death. Make sure to bring a sweater or a jacket because you never know if your classroom will be super hot or super cold.

For your first week at South, mix up where you sit during lunch. Don’t stick to one spot or you’ll be stuck there for the rest of the year. Switch it up, make friends, and then choose where you want to sit, or who you want to sit with.

If you have passing grades, you can go outside for lunch after first quarter! It only takes about 5 minutes to walk to Subway on Lake Street! Also, check out Pineda if you like tacos and burritos. They even offer a $5 Tiger burrito for South students.

It can be really difficult to enjoy South if you go to just your classes. Get involved, join a club, try out for a sport. It will make a difference in your school life and it makes you super passionate about your school.

There is NO pool on the fourth floor. (There is also no fourth floor.)

The Writing Center and the Math Center are great resources that you should use. There’s always a teacher of that subject available to support you, and any tools you need to be successful. You may think going in will be difficult or intimidating but they are very helpful and kind. 

Try to plan ahead with your friends about where and when to meet during the school day. Seeing them between classes with help with the awkwardness of the first week and make you feel more comfortable.

Keep your old friends but don’t forget to branch out. Find people who will cheer you up and support you. Friends and family will help you survive high school.

In the midst of your school work and everything else, don’t forget to work on your relationships. 

ALWAYS have a water bottle with you, and snacks if your teachers are okay with it. If you ever are hungry and don’t have money for snacks from the vending machine, the nurses’s office always has some. The nurse’s office is located in the hallway opposite of the vending machines. 

Check out the Silver Ribbons Campaign (SRC). SRC is a group that talks about mental illnesses, and works to reduce the stigmas around them. They meet every other Wednesday in the media center during the school day. Make sure to ask your teachers before going, but definitely check it out.

Go to the school dances. The only reason people say they’re bad is because no one goes to them.

Give the school lunches a chance, and don’t be scared of the lunch line. Just make sure to take your I.D. with you.

Always remember that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. You hear it a lot, and maybe you won’t realize the reality of it until you make the first big one, but don’t say I never warned you.

Most of all, make these next four years count. The time flies by and pretty soon it will be your senior year. Make friends, figure out who you are, and jump at every opportunity you have. Good luck class of 2019!