The How-To Series: Part 1

The How-To Series is a collection of blog posts designed to help you navigate through different stages of academia. In Part 1, we explore six practical tips to help you thrive in high school, which you can carry forward into your university years.

How to Thrive in High School

Number One: Find a Community

Try doing the following:

• Join a Club: Attend a club/sport/team that interests you and commit to it.

• Take Initiative: Don't be afraid to start the conversation. Compliment someone & ask questions about their classes, hobbies, or interests.

• Be Consistent: Repeated interactions. Showing up once is a start, but returning regularly is what builds connection!

  
  

Number Two: Manage Your Time Wisely

It's easy to fall into the trap of procrastinating all your homework, scrolling on social media for 4 hours, and leaving studying to the last minute. It happens more often than we would like to admit. Here are some strategies to help:

• Google Calendar: Set important deadlines in bright colors, then pick a few times to block off for studying.

• Delete Social Media: Delete apps from the home screen or limit their use time.

• Go to a Cafe: Bring a friend, study & quiz each other. Treat yourselves at the end!

Number Three: Get Involved

It's tempting to go home after school to take a nap. But joining volunteer organizations, school clubs, or events will make a difference when it comes to building your resume and future career. Get more involved by:

• Searching for Opportunities: Research potential organizations you are genuinely passionate about.

• Connect & Ask Others: Ask friends if they're involved in something, or if not, ask them to join you. They help you stay accountable and make shifts motivating!

• Apply Broadly: You'll be building application & interview skills early. It also helps you prepare for higher-stakes opportunities later on.

  
  

Number Four: Ask Questions

After a confusing class, many students hesitate to ask because it seems like everyone understood. The catch is that everyone else is just as confused! Remind yourself the next time you feel unsure about asking:

• It's Your Teacher's Job: Curiosity is also a cool trait that might stand out in reference letters.

• Others Are Thinking It Too: It might feel awkward to be the only one raising your hand, but others will be relieved you asked it.

• Own Your Learning: At the end of the day, no one will remember what you did or didn't do. Just ask the question for your own sake of learning!

Number Five: Study With Intention

Rereading notes and skimming textbooks may feel productive, but the information has suddenly slipped away from you the next day. Remember to:

• Try Practice Questions: Learn from mistakes so it doesn't happen during exams.

• Use Active Recall: Avoid passive study methods (like rewriting or highlighting notes). Use flashcards or teach a friend without looking at the answers!

• Set Small Goals: Set 1-2 goals that you know you can finish, then add more as needed.

Number Six: Prioritize Your Wellbeing

The best thing you can do for yourself in high school is to:

• Choose the Right Friends: If you spend time with people who think positively, step outside their comfort zone, and set ambitious goals, you’re more likely to do so!

• Be Confident in Your Decisions: Go with your gut and do what you feel is best. Think twice about responding to peer pressure and consider the long-term impact.

• Do Self-Care: Small efforts like investing in skincare, wearing a nice outfit, or working out may help boost confidence.

Conclusion

The choices you make now may shape the habits & decisions you’ll carry on into university & in the workplace. Use this time to build skills that may feel uncomfortable at first, so you'll get better at it later on!

Remember, no one has a perfect high school experience. You're not expected to have everything figured out!

Thanks for reading.