Dear Overwhelmed Teen,

Thank you for reaching out, we appreciate your question greatly! Many high school students, especially newer ones, seem to struggle with adapting to life in high school. I know I’ve been there; after the initial pandemic, I too struggled to pay attention, find the motivation to study, complete assignments, and socialize with others person-to-person. When I started high school, I was surrounded by people who were vastly different from me. It was incredibly scary, but the good thing about high school is that you meet many people, including people who you’ll connect with instantly.

First and foremost, don’t waste your time fitting in with people who don’t want to be around you. Even though this has been said 1000 times, changing yourself to blend with others around you will only make you miserable. Instead, simply indulge in what you like and you will naturally attract like-minded individuals. If you change your perspective, meeting hundreds of new people will increase your chances of finding your forever friends or even your best friend. Additionally, you don’t need to know everybody to get along well or to be generally liked. Overall, be civil to those who dislike you, even if they get on your nerves, and focus on those who treat you with respect.

Secondly, don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers and friends for support. Most assignments may seem intimidating, but the teachers at Richview are usually open for extensions if you simply talk to them after class or school. Remember, you’re only starting out highschool, don’t be hard on yourself. Same goes with your friends; you shouldn’t feel pressured into prioritising them over your school work. Good friends, especially those who have been in highschool for multiple years, will understand and won’t force you into anything. Work up the courage and self-discipline to say no, and reach out for help if needed; it isn’t easy, but it’s way better than crunching the night before an important summative.

Last but not least, find a balance between school, work and your social life. Life will always be unpredictable, so establishing a balance will make it easier to recover from obstacles that are thrown your way. Try to plan and mark down any big events, deadlines, or workshifts 2 weeks or more in advance. This way you’re more aware of the time you have to complete an assignment, personal project, or anything that’ll take up a good chunk of your time. Personally, I use a calendar app widget to mark down summatives and big assignments, as well as personal events like concerts, parties, and conventions! I also use the Notes app widget to remind me of any after-school activities, so every time I pick up my phone, I’m reminded of my responsibilities. Try to experiment with different ways of managing your time in these earlier grades, so you’re not behind in upcoming grades. In summary, manage your time wisely.

In conclusion, everyone deals with homework, relationships, and personal health differently, it’s up to you to know what’s best for yourself. Another person’s solution to balancing different aspects of life may not work for someone else, so it’s important to experiment and figure out the best solution for you! Don’t overwhelm yourself with worrying about school, take breaks when necessary, and know that we’ll support you no matter what. Highschool is hard on everyone, but I hope reading this will guide you through the upcoming end-of-term season. Don’t be afraid to reach out to Ask Angel if need be, we’re always here! As long as you are responsible and treat those around you with respect, you’ll do great. We believe in you!

With sympathy & guidance,

Angel