To an Incoming Ninth Grader by Adriana

To an Incoming Ninth Grader by Adriana - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

I bet you're wondering where time went; how could you possibly be finished with the eighth grade now and moving on to be a freshman in high school? You might be a little nervous, and remember, there is nothing wrong with that. I was extremely nervous about starting high school. And I won't sugar coat it, seeing a kid who really isn't that much older than you who has a tattoo can be a little daunting at first.

Now, I could get into all the basic cliche advice, "stay on top of your school work, pay attention in class, don't go to parties, etc, etc." But I don't believe that that's the most helpful advice. First and foremost, I recommend being yourself. I want you to dye your hair that crazy color you've been thinking about, grow it out, cut it off. Who cares? It will grow back! Self expression is a big part of this time in your life and you shouldn't let the people around you make you feel bad for being you.

I guess the most important of school is the actual education part so I'd like to discuss that. While honors classes and advanced placement classes are wonderful if you are up to a challenge, they aren't worth stressing your brains out over. Take the classes that you think will be manageable for you. I would recommend taking as many elective classes as you can, they are fun and some of those you can take more out of then you can a core class like English or math. As you go through high school you'll get really familiar with the term 4 year university. Remember, four years aren't for everyone and a you are no less of a person if you decide to go to a community college. And in a lot of cases going to a community college can get you the same education at a cheaper price!

As for relationships. T.v. sitcoms may have given you the idea that as a high schooler you are now obligated to date and kiss people. I don't know how you're going to take this, but it just doesn't really work like that, kid. Kiss and date who you want only if it is what you want and not that you are feeling pressure from your peers around you. Nothing is more awesome then respecting yourself and your boundaries. When it comes to friendships, you do not have to keep any friends around if you feel like it is a toxic, unhealthy relationship. Also, people will drift apart even if you don't think so now. It happens and it is not anyone's fault.

I would encourage you to get yourself involved in as many extracurricular activities as you want. Even if you have the slightest thought about doing something, you should just go and check it out. If you don't like it, no problem but I don't want you to look back on something and regret that you didn't at least see what it was about.

For my last piece of advice, I want to let you know that High School Musical is a very poor representation of what high school is like.

Stay positive and stay yourself!