#there’s like 30+ ppl in the class and most of them are high schoolers who already have like at least 20-30 hrs and i have 3. also the

[pepprs]

halfway thru my first drivers ed session. idk if i can do this aftually lol

[transmasc-malleus]

Since you're probably already out of high school, do you have any tips or advice for newcomers?

You’re correct I am out of high school! So this is advice for freshmen right? (Note that I’m not really qualified to give any advice but I’ll do my best!)

I’m gonna try to put this in a somewhat comprehensible list bc my thoughts are usually a mess so here we go, in no particular order (also don’t take my word as law!!! This is just based on my high school experience, which was not the norm for most high schoolers)

1) Don’t stress about making friends. In class, you’ll make friends, there will be people more talkative than you and there will be people more outgoing than you, so don’t stress about not putting yourself out there. Go to clubs, try-outs, auditions- all of these are great places to make friends. You will naturally gravitate towards people, as they will gravitate towards you. Let friendships develop naturally and don’t be afraid of making connections.

2) Be good to teachers that are good to you. Making friends with a teacher is the best thing you can do, they’ll be more inclined to help you and they’ll trust you and back you up. Granted, you’ll never be a real friend to your teacher, and they will still tear into you if you do dumb shit or don’t do work, but it definitely helps to be buddy buddy with them.

3) Do. Your. Work. This screwed me up a lot in high school, and I probably wouldn’t have been as stressed if I had just done my homework. It seems meaningless and dumb and sometimes it is, but it really is meant to help you in more ways than just learning the material. And it’s the easiest way to keep your grade up. If you do at LEAST 30% of your homework, that’s better than nothing. Turn in work half finished, turn in work with only one question done, it’s way better than getting a zero.

4) No one cares about you. This isn’t in a mean way, I just mean that no one cares that your hair is a little messy, or that you’ve got a new pimple, or that your clothes are wrinkled. People are too busy paying attention to their work, their next class, tests, soccer practice, theater practice, etc. So don’t sweat the small things, and if you’re super self conscious bring a few cosmetic things with you. I can’t tell you how many people bring hair brushes and tooth brushes to school, even extra clothes! And if you get periods, remember to bring pads and such! Most any girl you ask will have pads handy, but it helps to have some you’re comfy with!

5) Bullying isn’t nearly as common as it is on TV. People aren’t dedicating their lives to screwing with you. There will be plenty of assholes you’ll have to deal with, but most of the time you can avoid them and they’ll do the same for you.

6) Take advantage of the resources your school gives you. Guidance counselors are there for a reason! If something is really bugging you, bring it up to them! If they do nothing, then ask for a different counselor, someone will eventually do something. If you’re stressed about school or if you think you might have a mental illness then it’s not a bad idea to seek out the school therapist (there usually is one, but I can’t remember the exact name they have).

7) Relationships are both the most annoying and least of your worries. The one thing TV got right is that everyone cares about who is dating who. Not always in a malicious way, but most people like keeping tabs on drama. It’s not bad to sometimes listen to the drama, but don’t let it consume you. Theres gonna be some kind of drama almost every week, and 9/10 times it won’t directly affect you. And don’t be in a rush to get into a relationship. It’s not a race or competition to see who will and won’t be dating. It’s ok to never have a BF/GF in high school and it’s ok to have multiple throughout those four years. ALSO VERY IMPORTANT: It’s ok to have sex in high school, it’s frowned upon and I personally don’t endorse it, but it’s not shameful or disgusting. Remember that you are never obligated to do anything sexual with anyone. And it’s totally ok to want to have sex, and to go and have sex, but PLEASE be smart and use protection. Don’t rush into anything you know you aren’t ready for. Sex can and does in some ways change you, and it’s important to keep yourself safe. (Note, I personally had sex during high school and if you’re smart, and willing to take the risk, it’ll turn out fine. Again, not giving you permission to do it, it’s just something to keep in mind.)

8) Take Care of yourself. High school can be crazy stressful and honestly, it was the worst thing that happened to my mental health. But it doesn’t have to be! Always try to go to bed by at least 11pm. Staying up too late is gonna fuck yo your sleep schedule and mess with your focus and your emotional energy. Eat!!!!! Always try to eat SOMETHING for breakfast, even if it’s a banana or a granola bar. And eat your lunch!! They’re not the best but they get food and energy in you that you’ll need to get through the day. Try to shower every night/morning, depending on your routine. If you feel gross then you’ll just be uncomfy and get increasingly upset as the day goes on. Also, wear deodorant, lots of ppl don’t for whatever reason and it’s gross.

9) Don’t fall into the toxicity trap. It’s super easy to become callous and cold in high school, to become bitter and hot headed. Remember that no one truly likes being there either, including teachers, and stay kind. Don’t let people get the better of you by letting them push your buttons. Find people who are chill and kind and I swear things will be easier.

10) Nothing is high school is the end of the world. Failing tests, not studying, breaking up, losing friends- it’s all a part of getting older, and bad feelings will pass. Try not to dwell on what you should or could have done, focus on improving yourself and showing everyone that you’re better than you were. I promise that nothing you do in high school will severely affect your life, things happen and life moves on. You got this.