The Five Keys to Success at School

As I stepped through the door to Walter Hines Page High School, I could sense something different. It was a form of excitement that I had never felt before – the first day of high school jitters. Students rushed to find their classrooms, freshman wandered aimlessly, upperclassmen searched for their friends, and teachers put on their best smile through the mass of chaos. For me and many others, it was our first day of public school. Lots of students come to Page every year from being homeschooled, going to a private school, or going to a charter school. Until fourth grade, I was homeschooled. I then attended a local charter school for five years. Now, in ninth grade, I began a year at my first public school. Homeschooling can be a lot of fun because you have a lot of freedom, but it is harder to make friends since your only classmates are your siblings or maybe it’s just you. In a charter school, the freedom is definitely limited. Here, at a public school, there are so many more people and there is a decent amount of independence. For example, we do not have to wear a uniform, but in many other private or charter schools the students are required to wear one. No matter where you go education is the main focus, but public schools, in my opinion, provide the best experience. There are big rivalries and most public schools have more students than home schools, private schools, and charter schools. This allows people to be in classes with many different students and get to know a lot more people. I would recommend being homeschooled, going to a charter school, or going to a public school, but it is definitely a personal preference. Do you like hanging with a lot of people or only a few? Would you rather be in a small classroom or do you like big group discussions? Is it important to have a schedule written to the minute? Everyone, no matter where they came from, knows that the first day of school can seem very daunting, so I have provided a few tips to those of you that need help transitioning and adapting to a new environment. Even though the school year has already begun, these tips can help in many other situations both inside and outside of school.

1. Put Yourself Out There

You are not likely to make friends if you do not talk to someone new or sit down next to someone that’s sitting alone. If you put forth an effort, many times other people will too.

2. Don’t Worry

If you are always worrying about things, you will not be successful. Leo Buscaglia once said, “Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” Buscaglia was a successful author and motivational speaker because he lived by the ways that he preached.

3. Trust in Teachers and Adults

Your teachers are here to help you and want you to succeed, so talk to them when things are on your mind. It is also very important to talk to your parents or guardian when you are troubled.

4. Have Confidence

It is crucial to show confidence throughout your life. Confidence is something that I fall short on, but I know that I can improve and I am sure you can too.

5. Work Hard

Working hard in school can definitely get you far in life, but you must also work hard on making yourself better every day. This is a huge key to success!