Freshmen, welcome to Fayetteville-Manlius High School! From new classmates, classes, clubs, to a plethora of opportunities, there’s so much to explore!
Wait. That’s a lot, I know.
Entering high school is always a big step, and for many new students, it’s a bit overwhelming. But that’s perfectly normal! I remember my first day being guided by Link Crew leaders, with their fun activities easing my way into things. It’s safe to say that I’ve grown (a little bit) since then…here’s a rundown of my top pieces of advice for incoming freshmen!
Take a deep breath and be excited! For me, the start of high school was the start of new stories and beginnings. I can’t for certain tell you what your story will look like, and that’s the beauty of it! Self-discovery will be the foundation of your experience, and having a positive attitude will go so long to creating memorable years.
Take classes that match your interests. At F-M, you’ll find countless classes that match your interests. Enrolling in courses from our departments in music, art, business, technology, and so many more fields is your opportunity to find your path.
Join some clubs! With the club and activities fair taking place early in the year, this is your chance to be involved in a variety of initiatives. Extracurriculars range from community service projects to competitive teams, and even simple hobbies. Dedicating your time after school to these organizations is your chance to relax and step away from the classroom for a bit. And, most clubs are always looking for new members! Especially when you start early on in high school, this is also the chance to hold positions of office for your favorite clubs.
Now’s the chance to meet new friends! Whether it’s in the classroom or in the hallways, take some time to meet new people. Chances are, most of the people you meet in your first few months at high school will be your closest companions for years to come.
If you ever need anything, ask upperclassmen. The best pieces of advice I’ve received are from older people who have taken the classes I am taking now. We’re all human, so upperclassmen know it best, especially about how to balance schoolwork with student life.
Stay after school with your teachers. Teachers at this school are always willing to help! Most have a schedule for their availability during the after-school period, so if you ever want to go over a test or just want to have a quick chat, they will be more than happy to assist you.
Solidify your best study habits. As a student, your number one priority should be…your studies. Classes will start to increase in difficulty throughout high school, so the best time to optimize your studying strategies is now! Whether it’s flashcards, online resources, or past class materials, find out what works best for you. This way, you won’t have to figure out how to absorb information later on when you should be focusing on what information to absorb.
Be a part of the community. Outside of school hours, take part in student government hosted fundraising tournaments, sports matches, you name it! Embrace the school spirit and have fun in the myriad of activities hosted outside of school hours.
Read The Buzz. Guess what, you’ve already completed a step by reading this article. The Buzz is the student-run print and online newspaper publication at F-M. Go tell your friends about it! Apologies for the self-promotion…I do have one more piece of advice, and believe me when I say it’s the most important.
Finally, be yourself! High school is definitely different, but that doesn’t mean you have to change everything about yourself. Don’t be afraid to enrich your passions and interests! Find your place in the F-M high school community, no matter what that may look like.
