ADVICE FOR MY BROTHER – AN INCOMING HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN by Blake

ADVICE FOR MY BROTHER – AN INCOMING HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN by Blake - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Be yourself!

That’s it. Sounds simple but that may not be the case. You see at this stage of your life you are still growing, changing in all sorts of ways and don’t really know who you are yourself. So how can you just “be yourself”? It’ll take some practice on your part, but trust me you’ll get the hang of it in no time at all. Just be your (cool middle school graduate) self.

As you begin your freshman year, there are two negative factors that will try to derail you. First will be that feeling of not “belonging” that occurs once you’ve had the chance to survey your fellow classmates. They all look bigger, stronger, taller, better looking and more confidant. Just remember you’ve got something they don’t – your (pretty cool) self. You’ll face the second negative factor after you fail your first test or make a grade much lower than what you expected. Immediately you’re certain you do not have the “ability” to be in this higher education facility. Before you freak out remember this place has loads of teachers and counselors that are there just for you and can’t wait to help. Go today and introduce them to a future star student –the kid who’s going to succeed just by being himself.
As first day of school approaches make a plan and stick with it. Get a good night’s rest, rise early, shower and throw on those duds that you’ve planned for the most important day of your life – and hope you didn’t dress too differently from the crowd. Most importantly –just be your (funny) self – and laugh if off when somebody notices your mismatched socks.

Get to the bus stop early and since you’re a pretty outgoing guy, strike up a conversation (or try to.) Even if your new fellow rider isn’t in the mood to talk just yet, keep a smile on your face – and say hello to other students as they make their way to get on the bus. Choose a seat with any one that was at least a little friendly. Just remember that they might not like to talk too early in the morning (like you) but, you’re a sensitive guy so just be yourself and know when to just smile and be quite.
There, you’ve survived the bus ride and managed to make at least one new contact while you remained just being your (out-going, extroverted) self.

Now having arrived at your new school it’s time to start tackling those much dreaded hallways, the hundreds of fellow students, all trying to find their homerooms and not one of you having a clue. Do I go right or is it left? Or just go straight? Spotting a cute girl on your left, ask if she might know where room 203 is. Don’t faint when she smiles and says “straight ahead and on your right”. Give her your best “you just saved my life” smile, thank her a hundred times and – just be your (gracious) self.

After a couple of weeks, you’ve met some potential friends amongst your classmates and begun establishing relationships with your teachers. It’s time to take the next step and join a club or participate in a sport that you’ve long had interest in. Here, at XYC High School there are so many opportunities for you to explore and take advantage of. Through all these experiences you will grow and change – but at the core, still be just you.

As you made the team you tried out for and joined two interesting clubs, you’re making huge gains in friends both on and off-line (1700 on Instagram???). More importantly you’re becoming a star student that teachers and counselors will long remember when it comes time to ask for those college recommendation letters. A rather fruitful year – just by being yourself.
Remember too that no matter what you have heard, upper classmen aren’t all bad. Many will actually look forward to mentoring or befriending a young freshman. Along the way they’ll teach you how to step in their shoes one day and help a freshman fit in and have a wonderful first year of high school. But not to worry – you’ll find great joy in that role as - well- that’s just who you are.

By the end of this year you will be a taller, smarter, friendlier, kinder guy that I am proud to call my brother – just by being yourself.