Life Hacks For Freshmen

By: Priya Pindiprolu
Transitioning from middle school to high school can be extremely challenging. From such a rigid class schedule to the freedom and open walls. Balancing all of your new course loads with your extracurriculars, and just having downtime for yourself can be difficult. But, it is completely possible to excel at Williamsville East and have a lot of fun as well.
The most unique part of East is that students have an ample amount of freedom. You are trusted to find ways to productively use your free periods, throughout the school year. Use the commons to socialize and eat your lunch. Also, go to the career center or the library to get homework done and study. In the libraries, you have access to computers for access to Wits, Google Classroom, Google Docs and more.
You are also allowed to work on group projects, quietly, with the permission of the librarians. During your free periods, visit your teachers and ask them questions. It is beneficial for you, to get extra help from your teachers. If your teacher doesn’t share the same free as you, there are many teachers in each office that can help you. Or, you can ask your teacher if they are available to help you before or after school.
In high school there is a greater amount of responsibilities for you. So, try and have good time management. Do not procrastinate on assignments. At the time, it may seem like there is plenty of time to get that assignment done, but more continue to pile up as the days go by. Study for your classes.
No course at East is going to be an “easy A” if you don’t actively study. If you know you are going to be absent, talk to your teacher before you leave. Then they can give you all of the material that you will miss, and coordinate how you can makeup any tests or when you can come in and receive help on new concepts. Be prepared to all your classes.
In high school, teachers are less forgiving, when it comes to late assignments. Be honest. Do your own homework and talk to your teachers, and explain why your assignment is not completed. They will understand, and be more forgiving, because you didn’t lie or commit academic dishonesty. There is a zero tolerance policy at East, for academic dishonesty, and in the long run, it only hurts you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask upperclassmen for help, on homework or just general concerns. It is really important to know that, if you receive one bad grade on a test, don’t freak out. Figure out what you did wrong and try and fix your studying habits, or test taking strategies. Grades do not define you.
The most important advice that anyone can give you, is that you should have fun in high school. Whether having fun means joining a sports team, a club or just hanging out with your friends.
With your time at East, take advantage of the amount of clubs that are offered. Get involved! Clubs are a great way to meet new teachers, new students, and be a part of another community. All extracurricular activities are updated on the Wits Homepage daily.