Q: How do I handle being in a class with upperclassmen?

A: The answer to this is actually quite simple. You shouldn’t have to worry about being in a class with upperclassmen because they are there for either not completing the course prior to that year, or because they want to learn about whatever the course is. In summarization, they are there for the same reason you are, don’t stress over it.

Q: How do you get on a teacher’s good side?

A: Ah, getting on a teacher’s good side can be tricky. You want to be likable to them, but not overly involved with the teachers. Everyone dislikes a “teacher’s pet”. The key to getting on the good side of a teacher is to just do what you are told. We all like to be rebels at some point or another, but school is certainly not the place to be that rebel. Fall in line and you will be on every teacher’s good side sooner than you know it.

Q: Where can I find motivation to even come to school?

A: Motivation is one of the hardest things to grasp in school, especially during senior year. The thing that motivates me to come to school everyday is the accessibility it provides to interact with friends. Like most people, you probably don’t like interacting with everyone in your school, but you should enjoy interacting with those close ones you can count on your hands. Let that be your motivation if the monotonous schoolwork is not enough.

Q: What can I do to be popular?

A: A common misconception of high school students is the need to be popular. Another misconception is that you HAVE to stand out. To me, the best way to go through high school is not to be the big man on campus. It is easier to just fit in and as I said earlier, fall in line. Many may disagree, but if you at least try to fit in, it won’t be that bad. It is not that hard to fit in.

Q: How do I overcome stress brought on by school?

A: The best way to overcome stress is to not think about it. It may be difficult at first, but once you get past the initial thought that one assignment is not everything, you will be fine. Have fun and don’t be afraid to make new friends. This will open up your world and make it one hundred times easier for you to function in school and get you through those dreaded 180 days.