Must-do things during freshman year of high school?

I have a younger sibling starting high school soon, and I want to give them some advice. What are some things you think are important to do during freshman year of high school to set the stage for success in the future?

First of all, it's great that you're looking out for your sibling. Freshman year is an important time where students can establish habits and set the stage for the rest of their high school experience. Here are some must-do things during freshman year:

1. Focus on academics: Encourage your sibling to maintain strong grades from the beginning. Developing solid study habits in freshman year will make it easier to maintain high grades throughout high school, which will benefit their college applications.

2. Explore extracurriculars: Freshman year is an excellent time for students to try out various activities to discover their interests and passions. Encourage your sibling to join clubs, sports teams, or other organizations to find what they enjoy and where they might want to invest their time in the long run.

3. Connect with teachers and counselors: Building positive relationships with teachers and counselors early on can lead to valuable guidance, academic support, and even recommendation letters down the road. Encourage your sibling to be proactive in asking for help and engaging with school staff.

4. Develop time management and organization skills: Balancing school, extracurriculars, and personal life can be challenging. Freshman year is a good time to learn time management and organization techniques that will help your sibling handle increasing responsibilities in the subsequent years.

5. Focus on personal growth: Encourage your sibling to use high school as a time to explore their identity, make new friends, and learn more about themselves. They should be open to new experiences, but also remember to prioritize self-care and mental health.

6. Set goals: Encourage your sibling to set both short-term and long-term goals for their high school experience, taking into consideration their academic, extracurricular, and personal aspirations. Goal-setting can help keep them motivated and focused throughout high school.

7. Begin researching colleges and universities: While it may seem early, starting to research colleges and universities during freshman year can be helpful. Your sibling can start considering their preferences for factors like location, size, major offerings, and campus culture, which will guide their choices when it's time to apply in a few years.

By following these recommendations, your sibling will have the foundation to succeed in high school, stay involved in meaningful activities, and ultimately be well-prepared for the college application process.