The transition from middle school to high school can trigger a wide range of feelings – from excitement about increased independence and anxiety about social issues to stress about the workload and nervousness about just about everything else.

No parent wants his or her child to be anxious about going to high school – or any transition. Understanding your child’s anxiety is an important step to helping them deal with it (see related story).

There’s plenty of advice out there to help make the move to high school a little smoother (see links below). And, we asked some students who have made the journey to offer their advice on surviving – and making the most of – high school. Here’s what they had to say:

“Enjoy each day, and don’t slack off. The harder you work, the better the outcome.” -Alyssa Gray, Port Byron High School

“Do not procrastinate. With a little effort, it is easy to succeed.” -Joseph Kalyan, Port Byron High School

“Don’t take school for granted. Work hard, challenge yourself and make the most of it.” -Grace Cusick, Port Byron High School

“Don’t be afraid to try different clubs even if your friends don’t want to. You never know what types of experiences you’ll like and what types of friends you’ll make by trying different things.” -Ross Agen, Poland High School

“The one piece of advice I have for incoming freshmen is to savor every single day of high school. During my four years of high school, I experienced a lot of stress over grades, exams, homework, and just life in general, and I would sometimes think, ‘Man, I just wish today would be over!’ But I advise you all to never wish a day away. Your last day of high school comes so much more quickly than you think, and you will want those days back. The next four years will go by in the blink of an eye, so love every day, good or bad, and have the best time in high school. When you walk through the doors, make the most of every opportunity; join clubs, play sports, make art, and love every second of it. Good luck!” -Gianna Rotondo, Warwick Valley High School

“When I look back on high school, I think I focused too much on grades and not experiences … remember the experiences you have here because they are a gift. Fully prepare for all of them because then you can make the best out of them.” -Troy O’Neill, Tech Valley High School

“Start looking for colleges early. Don’t wait until your senior year. Start early so you really get a good idea of what college you want to go to and what you want to achieve.” -Rebecca Bulich, Tech Valley High School

“When it comes to your teachers, take the opportunities they give you. Every teacher at Cohoes High is willing to work with you and help you be successful. It is important you use your teachers for help and/or guidance if you’re struggling. Developing positive relationships with your teachers can play a vital role in your high school success.” -Coleman Reardon, Cohoes High School

“Make freshman year grades count, because they really do matter in the long run if you plan to go to college. And remember, it’s never too early to start planning for college. Learn good study habits early. Enjoy your time and reach out to get to know people who aren’t in your ‘circle.’ You will find you have something in common with more people than you think.” -Julia Nerney, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• From the Huffington Post: 33 Things High School Seniors Wish They Knew As Freshmen
• The Campus Explorer:10 Most Common High School Freshman Mistakes
• Kids Health: Starting High School

Tags: change, school success tips, teens