As summer vacation comes to an end, students are preparing for school to begin again, and with the new year comes new people as well. Soon, the class of 2029 will take their first step into the building as official Wayzata High School students.

But, it is important to note that going from middle school to high school is a big step and it can be overwhelming. It may be difficult to make new connections with teachers and peers, or even know what you’re doing in general if you’re one of these new faces. To help ease some of this stress, a few upperclassmen and sophomores shared their advice to help give the ninth graders a successful first-year experience.

One sophomore from Wayzata High School said, “It is important to be empathetic to others, and be kind so you can make new friends.”

In high school, there are so many varieties of classes and there is no guarantee that you will be in blocks with your friends. That is why it is so important to branch out and talk to new people you meet as well. Showing empathy and kindness is important since this can be an anxious time for all. Everyone should feel good about themselves in the school community.

A junior from Wayzata High School stated, “Make sure to join clubs and organizations that you have an interest in.” The school offers numerous opportunities through clubs, and you are sure to find something you are interested in, and if not, you can even start your own club! They are a great way to make new friends and also enjoy spending time doing something you like before or after school.

One more piece of advice, from another junior at the high school said, “Have good relationships with your teachers, and don’t slack off on homework.” These are two big things to keep in mind. Being on your teacher’s good side is very important. They are there to help you and guide you, and can even help you in the future whether you decide to go to college, start a job, or do something else.

A way to be a good student is to be on top of your homework. Do your homework and turn it in on time. If you have class time, it’s a good idea to utilize it to get work done, and if the workload is getting to be too much for you, you can always talk to your teachers and the counselors to help solve that.

To put it all together, it may be hard at first, but following these tips and tricks will help you have a great freshman year.