How To: Pass High School

This might seem like a crazy blog article. I mean, what more is there to passing four years with a bunch of tests, halls, and other teens that are nothing like you? But, there is so much more, and so much information that I have gained over the past four years that can help you do more than just pass, but to pass well- with good grades and hopefully some lifelong friends.

Of course, if you are one of those kids that want to take the classes just to get it done and over with, I am not sure this post can be much help. I am talking to those who really care about their grades and would probably like to see an A on the report card than a bunch of B's. Of course, I think that is the first step that needs to be established: Do Your Best. If you get lower grades, that is okay. My parents always told me that if it is your best, it is okay. I am so blessed to have supportive parents. I would like to think I am a pretty smart student. There was not much that just did not make sense to me and most of the school came easily. Yet, I can think of many cases where I failed math or Spanish tests and I would come out of my room in tears because I was so mad at myself and I was concerned about how my family would react. Yet, while they were not always super happy they always told me that I would be okay and that if I did my best, that was all they could expect. And I somehow made it through all the four years of school with no C's or lower, and only a few B's. 

This brings me to point #2: one failed test does not mean the class is failed. I have actually gotten many (not a ton, but a few) D's or lower on Unit Tests and yet still passed the class with a B or higher. Extra Credit is your Best Friend. You'd be surprised how much it can do. And yes, I was one of those students who would take Extra Credit even if I had an A or B in the class. Every little bit will help, especially in the beginning. Start early. Don't wait until mid-semester to decide to strive to do better or go for the extra credit. And while you totally can and would probably still help, it is so much better if you begin that early. 

I will admit I was one of those students who would procrastinate, but I always knew my level. For example, if I had an essay due in English class I would always give myself about three days before the due date. I would spend one hour three days before the due date to complete the research (this is for like a 1k paper), the second day to write my rough draft literally using the quotes I gathered from day one and adding my notes and opinions (but wording it the right way) and edit it, and the third day to spare or in case the project actually took longer than I thought it would. Yet, it depends on how well you know yourself. Some people struggle with writing but actually do better spending one day studying before a test instead of working a little each day the week before. Know your studying habits, and strive to meet those levels. I could write a whole different article about different ways to study and what works for me. I would also mention some other techniques I know that does not work for me but should work for others. 

Don't be afraid. If you feel like you cannot do something you end up telling yourself that to the point that you believe it then you really can't do it. This is just an endless cycle that you need to get yourself out. There is so much that our bodies have the ability to do, but our brain stops us from doing them. Don't freak out but take a deep breath and go! Make a new friend with a new student. Present that speech in front of your class. You got this!