Skip to content

Top five tips to survive high school

1708column91
Students in YK have the challenge cup. In Windsor, Ontario F.J. Brennan battles our rival St. Joseph's for the Zakoor Cup. Here is me, a little balder, a little heavier, going hoarse as our cardinals defend their trophy at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre in 2012. photo courtesy of Michael Hugall

Have no fear freshmen, high school is not as bad as it looks on television. Actually, it's the complete opposite.

Students in YK have the challenge cup. In Windsor, Ontario F.J. Brennan battles our rival St. Joseph's for the Zakoor Cup. Here is me, a little balder, a little heavier, going hoarse as our cardinals defend their trophy at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre in 2012.
photo courtesy of Michael Hugall

It was not long ago that I walked through the hallowed halls of F.J. Brennan High School in Windsor, Ont.

My Swiss-Army backpack strapped tightly to my body. Backwards baseball cap sitting slightly lower than it should have been on my head and a “live-strong” bracelet to add a little bit of “swag” to my ensemble. On the outside I looked poised but on the inside it was extremely nerve wracking.

Fortunately I survived four years and here's how.

Tip 1: Get involved

The first thing I saw when I walked through the hallways of my alma mater was a trophy case filled with plaques, banners, pictures and medals. Having been in competitive sports prior to high school I knew I was ready to be a jock. I walked confidently into the locker room and met others who would later become my teammates, eventually my best friends. Five years after graduation and those friendships remain.

Everyone has something they are passionate about. For myself it was sports. For others it could be music, social justice or video games. Find a club or a program that is geared toward your passion. Your best friends for the next for years will ultimately be found through those programs. Besides, the company you keep will allow you to cherish every memory. Although, if nothing appeals to you, start your own club. You'll be amazed to see other people have similar interests.

Tip 2: Develop good study habits, early

How I dreaded school work. There was always a lame excuse for why I didn't complete my assignments. Here were some of my most common phrases.

“I apologize, I was at basketball last night and got home too late.”

“Can I make up for that test, I didn't get a chance to study properly?”
“(The teacher) never told us that was going to be on the exam!”

The biggest mistake made during my Grade 9 year was not putting an emphasis on every student's most dreaded word, homework.

“I'll do it later” or “one assignment doesn't matter” are the deadliest phrases you will use if you follow what this journalist did while I was in high school. If you are busy at night there is always time to go into school early and finish an assignment or study for a test during your lunch. If you're still unsure how to make school work and studying a priority, research the habits that best fit your schedule and personality.

Tip 3 : Lunch time is sacred

I always advocate listening to teachers and respecting your elders but when I was 15 I'll admit it was an afterthought. I recall one time at lunch when a cup of yogurt “slipped” out of my hand and fell “gently” at a table across the cafeteria. The white uniform – yes we wore uniforms – shirt of an unsuspecting student was stained strawberry red. That's when I heard the first steps. It was a teacher coming to lock me up in detention. Surrounded by a group of friends, we had a surefire plan to avoid punishment, run like hell. A group of 11 testosterone-filled Grade 12 boys hurtled over the lunch table and made a mad dash for the exit. It was the closest thing any of us had experienced to an indoor zoo. Unfortunately, I couldn't hide. I was caught in my third period class. A lunchtime detention and a sincere apology later, I was back in good graces.

Food fights aren't cool, nor are they pretty. However, they do create lasting memories.

With the endless clubs, teams and societies in school you probably think I'm crazy saying lunch time will be your favourite but throw a yogurt or two and I'll be proven right.

Tip 4 : Your mental health is most important

Me time is the most important time of the week. I never fully understood it at first but I eventually I grew to appreciate it. After days of go-go-go I felt the most bliss was sitting down in front of the television on Sunday, watching football and enjoying whatever my mom cooked for dinner.

The older you become the more stress is put on you to be independent, it's apparent. It starts by making your own lunch then evolves into making sure you are on time for a guitar lesson or soccer game. The pressure is on you to perform every second of the day and have you show more responsibility week-in and week-out. However, through balance everything is possible. Make time for yourself. Decompressing after a big test or a big game is completely healthy and normal. Pick a time where you're not with your friends, time to think about your next step. It will help you make perfect sense of the next four years. If you do follow my routine and eat your mom's cooking on Sundays, ask for chili.

Tip 5 : There are no such things as 'cliques'

Everyone is equal and everyone has interests. The one thing that everyone in high school is, is human.

This tip comes from the entire Yellowknifer editorial staff: “BE NICE TO EVERYONE AND DON'T BE A BULLY.” If everyone is treated with respect and is not subjected to being labelled by one person there is certainly room for that person to grow as an individual. Life is hard enough in school so why would you want to compound that individual's stress with negativity. In the words of our city hall reporter Avery Zingel – “It's cool to be kind.”