Dear Future High School Students,

I’m writing this to you because high school can be confusing and a struggle. It can be even more difficult in Galway.  

Galway is an extremely small school so don’t expect to go by without people at least recognizing your name. Also, due to size, if you’re talking about someone then expect for them to hear it. Word gets around faster than you’d like to think. There is such a thing as the grapevine and it’ll come into play a time or two in your high school experience.  

Dress code is going to be something that you detest. You’ll get upset because dress code prohibits you from wearing certain pieces of clothing that you may love or want to wear because of temperature. Despite hating it, follow dress code. It saves everyone time. You won’t have to waste time arguing over whether or not it follows dress code and you won’t have to waste time changing into something else. Nobody likes dress code but it’s easier to follow it then go against it.

Another thing, keep up on your homework. A zero drops your grade more than anybody would like and it piles up. Especially if the teacher is known for a lot of homework and essays. Oh, speaking of essays, don’t push them off until the day before. It will not turn out as good as you’d want. You might think that you can pull of at least an eighty when you do it the night before but the chances are slim.

Teachers are either going to be your absolute favorite or they will ruin a class for you. Just remember that even if you don’t like them, still be respectful since they are trying to help you pass their class. And, if they’re your favorite then telling them that isn’t too bad of an idea. Oh, and if you’re having a bad day then Mrs. Gerber, Mrs. O’Brien, or Mr. Tripp are always my go to teachers so I suggest talking to them. They’ve understood and talked me through some difficult times.

Also, on the topic of liking or hating people. You will run into people who annoy you. There’s going to be somebody who will try to cause an issue or an argument. Really, it’s just a lot of drama that should be avoided. You can’t control their actions but make sure that you control your own. Don’t do something if it’s going to a have a bad consequence. It’s not worth it.

Sign up for as much as you can. If you like it then do it. Join drama or SADD or art club. Apply for NHS or choose to volunteer. Join every sport that you like.  Everything adds up and helps towards college. Besides that, you can gain a whole new group of friends. Without some of the activities I’ve joined, I wouldn’t have half the friends that I do.

High school can seem scary but really, it’s just life progressing. Face it head on and do what’s going to make you happy. That’s all there really is to it.

-Someone Who’s Going Through This