Sunday, June 5, 2022

Lessons Learned The First Year Of High School

High school. I can hardly believe my last kid is in high school. Natalie finished her freshman year and learned many lessons. Here are a few of them:





People still don't fully grasp the importance of deodorant. She thought it was bad in Middle School but it's still pretty smelly in High School. She recommends having a deodorant in your backpack and re-apply when needed. 


Don't take things personally. There are some teens who will say some cruel things. For example, Natalie has been called fat before by fellow students. Clearly she is not fan but in high school, some think it's their duty to bring others down. Learn to let things slide. Sure the words might sting, but remember the folks uttering the mean things are probably miserable and want everyone else to be the same. 





Pay attention to teachers. They give instructions. Listen. Don't be like "I didn't hear that." That's because you were talking or on your phone. Teachers are unpaid and tired. Don't make them repeat themselves. Oh, and tell them thank you for all they do. It's not easy. 





Don't forget the other activities. It's not all about football. In Texas sometimes it feels like it is all about football. But you know, don't forget theatre. Go see a school play. It takes a lot of work to put on a production. Support your local thespians. 


Hurry to the lunch line because it gets long quickly. There are hundreds of students in Natalie's school. As soon as that lunch bell rings, don't get distracted: get in line or most of your lunch break will be spent in it. 


Don't jump to conclusions. Natalie had a friend being accused of being racist. She had posted some racist things on her page and Natalie kept insisting it wasn't her. It turns out she was correct: someone had hacked into that person's account and posted the racist things hoping to get people to turn against her. It's easy to join an attack group but think and know for sure what is going on before you accuse. Teens can be ruthless these days. So be a nice one. 


Be yourself. Always. I love Natalie's imagination. I love her fashion sense. I love how she'll go to school in a costume or a fabulous outfit knowing that another student might insult her. Most kids at her school toss on jeans or a hoodie. Jeans and a t-shirt. Pajamas. Natalie puts thought in what she wears. Most of time. Sometimes she does show up in pajamas. But she still has the matching eyeshadow. 




The year went fast. Too fast. Before I know it she'll be finished with high school. But before she graduates I hope she'll always remember these lessons: and learn some new ones. 

27 comments:

  1. Wow what a great post! Seems like life is just passing right on by and the kids are growing so fast! I love all the lessons she pointed out, so funny how kids today can jump on the bandwagon of mistreating someone without checking the true facts. I see so many adults doing the same thing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. High school can be tough. I am glad that my son did not have these issues or he just did not tell me about them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It really is good not to take things personally but it's also important for us to listen to our children, which judging by your relationship with your child I know you do!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post and so many great suggestions. I always say the more involved you can be your freshman year the better and work hard on that GPA.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Natalie is so confident for being her true self! I wasn’t like that in HS but I wish k was

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh man, my kid is going into middle school and reading this makes me want to consider homeschooling! At least we got the deodorant part down!!! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is upsetting about the hacked page! Glad it wasn't Natalie's friend who said those things!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't remember being this insightful after my first year in high school! I think Don't take things personally is the most important lesson.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It can be al little overwhelming for any student on the first day of high school. I do agree not taking things so personally which is a great lesson to learn.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your post. It reminds me of my own experience during high school. Yes, deodorant is important. I also like the idea of being respectful to teachers at all times.

    ReplyDelete
  11. These are all really great lessons to learn specially High School students. I will let my daughter see this post!

    ReplyDelete
  12. LOL you crack me up about the deodorant we have that happen in GA a lot too. In fact I was working with a wedding coordinator a month ago and thought "Girl, what is up you are dealing with the bride and family? Come on now!" Even my husband come smell her coming it was really bad I felt sorry for her since it was only April not even the hot month yet.

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's great to hear Natalie stood by here friend especially as her account had been hacked. Ha, I know what you mean about the deodorant!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I can see why you are so proud of Natalie! She sure seems well-grounded, which isn't always easy to be at her age!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such important lessons! Sounds like you have done a great job at raising her right. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. These are awesome tips that will help a lot my daughter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love these lessons! my younger daughter still needs to learn them! Especially she need to learn not to take things personally!

      Delete
  17. I can relate to all of this. High School is an interesting experience for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Being mean is learned at home. So not taking things personally is a good advice. She is going to be a strong woman. -LYNNDEE

    ReplyDelete
  19. As a high school teacher, I could usefully pass on some of these observations to my students !

    ReplyDelete
  20. Those are some great lessons learned. Teens can be cruel. It can be hard to be you when someone give you flack over it.

    ReplyDelete
  21. These can be tough years, and this is great advice! It can be tough to let things slide, but it really is important to push through those moments.

    ReplyDelete
  22. It's great to hear about Natalie's experiences and the lessons she's learned during her freshman year of high school. I completely agree with her about the importance of deodorant - it's surprising how many people don't seem to understand its significance

    ReplyDelete
  23. Making sure that you are being yourself is important and also find other things that you need to do thanks for sharing this with us

    ReplyDelete
  24. I can't believe someone hacked into her friend's account and did that! Why are people so horrible? Middle school has been rough enough on my daughter. I'm terrified for high school.

    ReplyDelete
  25. These are all great lessons. Teach kids to pick strong passwords, don’t leave their phone unattended or unlocked.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Get the better Massage therapy in Burke VA with us and happy life enjoy with our services.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for the comment!

Share This

 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...