We have all been there and yes, middle school was tough, not just in academics, but in friends, relationships, sports, and everything else that goes along with teenage dilemmas. Here I have 10 ways to get by:
1. Find a group of friends and stick with them.
In adolescent years, nothing is harder than making and keeping friends. An easy way to make a friend is just to go up and introduce yourself (it is not as intimidiating as it may seem). Sit with them at lunch and most likely, they will introduce you to their other friends. Be bold.
2. Stay away from "popular" cliques.
At every middle school, there is a group pegged as the popular kids. They are usually the ones with the most wealthy families, boyfriends/girlfriends, and a lot of people that hate them out of envy. This is not always the case, but 9 out of 10 times it is. Steer clear from them because you could be back stabbed, you could get into trouble, and most of the time it is not very good for your self-esteem.
3. Hit the books.
Though texting and friends can get in the way, your schoolwork is very important. It determines, basically, the rest of your life. Do not neglect it. Ask questions in class, and always finish your homework!
4. Form good relationships with your teachers.
Over the course of the year, you will have many teachers, and it is important to take advantage of those learning opportunities. Be willing to stay after school for help.
5. Join extracurricular clubs and activities.
Joing activities and after-school clubs can be fun, and you can also make a lot of new friends.They will help you find your interests.
6. Learn a foreign language.
Take a foreign language at your school, or if they do not offer one, learn it on your own with a beginner book or even online. It helps so much in language arts class as well as high school foreign language classes.
7. Set goals.
Once a month, I encourage you to write down a list of goals for anything and everything. On my list, I had a goal for everything from 4-h to swimming and everything in between. Goals help you stay focused and motivated.
8. Get started in a sport now.
If you want to be good at a sport later, you need to start now, in middle school. Middle school is a perfect time to test out what you like and don't like, and also what you are good at and not good at. So, try a sport and if you don't like it, so what, its still a great workout.
9. Boyfriends/Girlfriends
Today's standards on having a boyfriend/girlfriend in middle school can either build you up or break you down. "Going out" with the opposite gender can not only ruin you self-esteem, but it can also distract you from school. I am not discouraging it, but it should definitly not be a priority.
10. Stay fit.
Staying healthy and fit is very good for your self image and esteem. It will also make you live longer and give you more energy, so go outside and play. Just because you are a teenager doesn't mean that you can't go out and play like a kid! Eating healthy can also be a challenge with gross school lunches, so pack your lunch and eat you fruits and vegetables.
Middle school can be some tough years, but make the best of it. You're still a kids. The only difference is that adults have higher expectations, so live up to them, and have fun!
Good advice, thanks!
ReplyDelete-Caroline