19 | September | 2024 | Plaid Line + PRIZM + Scottie News

By: Priya Anderson & Ruby Anderson

Priya’s Iphone, September 12, 2024. *Two freshmen walking to class.*

1. Go to orientation!

One of the first most important things for a freshman to do (especially rising freshmen) is to go to orientation. If you are already a freshman in school, skip this one, but those who are coming up, keep reading.

This is not only where you learn the school, you learn your schedule, who will be in your advisory, who you will be peers with for the rest of high school. The schedule you receive is usually paper, which is helpful for those with iPad issues (common among freshies). And at orientation, you see the teachers and office staff; obviously an important factor to becoming acquainted with your school. By attending orientation, the transitional process is much smoother and easy to cope with. It can be nerve racking, but is worth the 2 hours.

2. Get involved in school activities

School activities get you connected with more than students, but with opportunities for your sophomore, junior and senior years. You can make friends that last, and will always find someone on your team/in your club in your classes. Almost everyone is involved with a school activity, so participating in your community is a great way to allow yourself to become a part of your high school.

3. Make connections with upperclassmen

As I said in my last point, try to befriend or connect with upperclassmen! Try to find someone you can trust to get info about the school and about classes. This can be helpful when learning about the school and getting tips on big assignments. Upperclassmen can also help get you connected to more people. Of course, have boundaries with these kids, and make sure they are trustworthy friends.

4. Don’t procrastinate

Procrastinating is the number one way to fail. You should try to complete your work as soon as possible because it will help a lot with getting good grades. A good way to not procrastinate is to make a planner. Making a planner will help a lot with keeping track of what assignments you have to do and when they are due.

5. Sign up for drivers ed

Once you turn 15, you can get your permit. Even though driver’s ed is very tedious (30 hours), it is worth the time to learn to drive. You could even get your license as a sophomore! It is 3 hours for two weeks, and that is awhile, but what’s better? Freedom or having to hitch a ride every day?

6. Find a favorite teacher/class

Having a teacher that you like or a class that you enjoy will get you through the day a lot faster, especially if you can look forward to that class. It’s also good to have a teacher you trust so that you can go to them if you have a problem. Having a class that you like can also motivate you to do your work.

7. Do not skip class or be late

Skipping class or being late is a great way to get on a teacher’s bad side. As a matter of fact, too many absences and tardies will get you on a list and a call home. Coming to class at the correct time and always showing up will define you as a trustworthy student. It will also set a routine for you and habits will form out of those routines. Being late in the workforce is a BIG no, so starting early, come to class. For freshmen, this is very important to get used to.

8. Ask for help

Can’t find a class? Don’t have an iPad? Don’t know your bus, etc, etc? Ask for help. As a freshman, no one expects you to know what to do right away. There are always students and teachers there to help, and the counselors office is a great resource for freshmen. Not only can you get help with the issues above, but you can change electives and if necessary, move core classes around. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends and peers. Your teachers also expect you to ask for help, so please don’t hesitate.

9. Bring snacks/drinks

School days can get long and tiring and sometimes lunch is not enough. Especially if you have lunch really late or really early in the day you are going to get hungry pretty fast. You should make sure to bring a few snacks to school everyday as long as your teachers are okay with it. Bringing water is also important during hot days.

10. Relax

Don’t get too stressed out over school. If your only focus is school work you’re going to get stressed and burnt out. School is important but relaxing and enjoying time to yourself and spending time with friends and family is just as important. You also need to make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night so don’t stay up too late.

By: Christine Yang

This poem is about suicide awareness because it’s the month of September. I want to spread awareness for people who are struggling with their mental health, to show them that the people around them care and that they’re not alone. I also have experienced depression to the point I had thoughts of ending myself, and also I have friends and family who struggle with mental health to the point I would barely see them often and I do want people to know that things will get better.

Like always there’s tHis dark place,

I feel I could nEver escape this.

WilL I ever find Peace?

I hate living,

Breathing,

And looking at MysElf.

I always doubt that I’ll find someone,

To motivate me to my “goals”,

Interested of what I’m saying,

Understanding.

Wait,

I just want someone to love me…

I tried to reach out,

But they always tell me,

“You’re overreacting”,

Or “It’s just a phase”.

Is it really a phase,

When I’ve been like this for 5 years?

Am I really overreacting,

If I truly can’t even get out my bed?

5 years,

That’s what these scars represent,

I feel disgusted in my own skin,

But it’s the only thing to punish myself.

5 years,

Is those failed attempts,

Feeling ashamed,

If only those attempts worked.

I thought that if no one LOVEd me,

Then there’s no point of living.

I was wrong…

I realized that there’s been a person who does,

Who is interested in the things I like,

Understanding,

Most and importantlY…

Knows me the most.

And that’s me.

I may not love myself now,

But YOU can’t expect love fRom Someone,

Who doesn’t Even know you.

To get Love from that “person”,

You need to love “them”,

Care For “them”,

And work on it.

If no one loves me,

Then I will.

September is the month of suicide awareness, to remember the lost, the people who are struggling, and survivors. Remember it only takes three words, “are you okay?”. Those words can change anything and everything to that person, you matter more than you think. Call or text 988 if you ever have those dark thoughts or moments.