Sophomore year is a stepping stone for most high school students, but most don’t handle it well. Oftentimes the first AP class a student faces can be daunting, and with new challenges to overcome, many students falter that year and give up. Not meeting expectations sophomore year does not mean that the rest of high school won’t go better.

The first piece of advice for students new to West campus is to utilize your connections with teachers to get help. They are more than willing to help out if you need help, and often times than can make the difference in understanding major concepts in a class. Most teachers are very friendly and understanding, so there is no shame in asking for extra help. Just a few minutes after class could change how confident you are in what you learned.

Secondly, don’t sweat the small stuff. Missing one assignment won’t ruin an entire grade. Instead of stressing over the worksheet that you forgot about, study for the test that’s tomorrow. Balancing yourself is so important when it comes to mental health. If you’re way behind in a class, refer back to the first tip given, and approach your teacher about it. This can go a long way in moving past mountains of missing work.

Also, don’t be afraid to step out of your box. There are plenty of opportunities all around you to experiment and find what you want in life. Take those opportunities. It can be scary to try new things, but it can also be extremely rewarding.

The most important piece of advice that can be given is this; enjoy it while you can. Go to the sporting events, go see the musicals, go watch Mr. MHS. You only have one chance to experience high school, and it will be gone before you know it. Laugh too loud with your friends, spend too much money on food, and worry too little about other’s opinions. Looking back, memories can just slip through your fingers if you’re not careful. Hold onto the moment..

Always put your mental health first, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. If you start this year, you’ll have so much more time to enjoy high school and make the most of it. Sophomore year shouldn’t seem like an overwhelming task ahead of you, it should seem like a year full of opportunity to grow and experience life as a high schooler.