back to school advice from a high school graduate *what they don't tell you*

Summary

This video offers a wealth of advice for students of all levels, focusing on navigating school life with grace and confidence. The speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing academics with social life, joining clubs for extracurricular enrichment, and the value of being exclusive in relationships and friendships. She candidly discusses the challenges of the first semester, the pressures of high school relationships, and the liberating differences between high school and college environments. The video is a relatable guide for those looking to make the most of their educational journey while avoiding common pitfalls.

Takeaways

• 🏫 On the first day of school, expect to be lost and go through introductions and icebreakers.
• 📚 Core classes like English, math, history, and language are mandatory in school, regardless of your major or interest.
• 🕒 Balancing social life and school life involves knowing when to focus on friends and when to concentrate on schoolwork.
• 👫 Joining clubs and extracurricular activities can be a great way to have fun and make friends with similar interests.
• 🗂️ Keeping a planner and staying organized with due dates can help maintain good grades and prevent procrastination.
• 🏃‍♂️ Participating in sports can lead to camaraderie and is noticed by the school community, potentially offering some favoritism.
• 👕 People might notice if you re-wear clothes, but ultimately, everyone is too focused on their own lives to care much.
• 📝 Basic school supplies like something to write with and on, and a way to store handouts are all you really need.
• 💻 Technology can be helpful for school, but it's not a necessity as most schools provide the necessary tools like computers.
• 🤝 Being friendly and approachable to everyone, including teachers and staff, can be beneficial throughout your school years.
• 🔐 Lockers can be useful for storing items, but they're not scary, and you don't have to use one if you prefer not to.

Q & A

What advice does the speaker give about the first day at school?

The speaker advises to expect to be lost, as it's normal on the first day. They suggest that students should be prepared for introductions and icebreakers, and to not panic since the first days are usually about getting to know each other.

Is it necessary to take math classes even if you're enrolled in a specialized high school?

Yes, according to the speaker, math is considered a core class in most schools, and it's necessary to take core classes regardless of the specialized field of study.

How does the speaker recommend balancing social life and school life?

The speaker suggests knowing that there is a time and place for everything. They emphasize focusing on schoolwork during school hours and catching up with friends during designated times like lunch or free periods.

What does the speaker recommend for students who are looking for fun activities at school?

The speaker recommends joining clubs and participating in extracurricular activities as a way to have fun and also make new friends.

How can students with social anxiety make friends at school?

The speaker advises being open to conversation and not being scared of initiating it. They mention that teachers often facilitate group activities and icebreakers, which can help students with social anxiety to connect with others.

What is the speaker's advice on maintaining good grades?

The speaker recommends studying the syllabus, using a planner to stay organized, writing down due dates, and pacing oneself to avoid procrastination. They also suggest doing extra credit work when available to boost grades.

Why does the speaker believe participating in sports can be beneficial?

The speaker believes that participating in sports can lead to favoritism and recognition, as well as forming close friendships with teammates, which can create a supportive community.

What does the speaker suggest regarding re-wearing clothes at school?

The speaker suggests that while people might notice if you re-wear clothes that are not in a row, ultimately nobody is really paying that much attention, and it's okay to have favorite pieces on rotation.

What basic supplies does the speaker think are necessary for school?

The speaker believes that something to write with, something to write on, and some form of technology, like a computer, are the basic supplies needed for school.

How does the speaker feel about managing school and YouTube?

The speaker acknowledges the importance of time management and suggests using tools like planners and apps to help manage responsibilities. They admit to having rusty time management skills themselves.

What advice does the speaker give on picking a high school or college?

The speaker advises picking a high school or college based on one's own interests and goals, not based on what friends or a significant other wants to do.

How does the speaker describe the difference between high school and college?

The speaker describes college as a place where everyone is focused on their own lives, and there's less attention on individuals compared to high school. They also mention the campus setting as opposed to a single building.

What does the speaker suggest to avoid procrastination?

The speaker suggests pacing oneself, doing a little bit of work each day leading up to a deadline, and recognizing that the anticipation of starting the work is often what causes procrastination.

What type of people should be avoided according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests avoiding people who gossip and disrespect teachers, as they are likely to repeat the same behavior with others and can cause problems.

How does the speaker feel about school relationships?

The speaker advises against school relationships due to the complications that can arise from breakups and the constant exposure to the same person throughout the school day.

What does the speaker think about virginity and dating in high school?

The speaker emphasizes that decisions about virginity and dating are personal choices and should not be rushed or influenced by peer pressure. They value exclusivity and advise against dating someone from the same school.

What is the speaker's opinion on living on campus in college?

The speaker did not regret not living on campus, as they value their own space and are not interested in the party scene. They also mention the convenience of living at home as a YouTuber and having their mother cook for them.

How does the speaker suggest staying out of drama at school?

The speaker suggests keeping one's mouth closed and not engaging in gossip as a way to stay out of drama.

What does the speaker recommend for studying effectively?

The speaker recommends taking notes, using apps for subject help, seeking tutoring if needed, and using flashcards. They emphasize the importance of repetition in studying.