Samantha Costanzo

Whether you just graduated from a big, busy public school where you had your own locker and a rotating class schedule or a tiny, Catholic, don’t-you-dare-wear-that-pink-hair-ribbon-to-school kind of place, high school is going to be a big change.

When I graduated eighth grade, they told me I was going to be a little fish in a big pond, and that statement never rang truer than on the first day of freshman year. Here’s what you can expect on the first day in your new pond:

1. The evil locker from outer space.

Even if you’ve been spinning dials for years, trust me, your high school locker will hate you. Don’t expect it to open on the first try or very much at all on the first day.  In fact, it’ll probably be stubborn for a week or so, but don’t worry. The easiest fix for this is to calm yourself down a little (because you’ll be about ready to kick the thing, which never works), make sure you have the right combo and locker number, and try it again. If that fails, have a trusted friend help you out. It’s always easier to open someone else’s locker than your own.

2.  Classes and clubs and teams, oh my!

Debate club. Drama club. Math and Science club. Fashion and Design. Outreach groups. Track, basketball, soccer, and softball teams…the list is absolutely endless! Expect the upper grades to start actively recruiting members for their groups from day one, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Pick the clubs that interest you most, and remember that everything you join is something you could add to your college apps in four years…adding Class President to that list wouldn’t hurt.

3.  Power-hungry seniors.

Ah, seniors: for three long years they’ve clawed their way through AP classes, crowded hallways, and crazy teachers, and now they’re out for their revenge. Not all seniors are dementors, but on the first day. However, its best to err on the side of caution. I can guarantee that you’ll overhear, if not be the cause of, some senior’s comment about the freshman who just “get more annoying every year!” Keep your cool. Resist the urge to prove your awesomeness, and keep walking. You’ll thank yourself later, trust me.

4.  Left! Right! No, the other right! Huh?

Even if you’re going to a one building, four-story high school (like me), you’ll probably get lost. A combination of excitement and nerves can easily make you confuse Room 213 for Room 312, so don’t be surprised when you wander into senior physics instead of freshman literature. Yes, everyone is going to turn around and stare at you and whisper about the poor lost freshman, but once the day ends nobody is going to remember you. Chances are, the teacher will ask you where you’re supposed to be and tell you how to get there. Just don’t spill your whole backpack when you run out of the room—not only will it embarrass you, but some schools give freshman a freebie the first time they’re late because they understand how new everything is to you freshies.

5.  Hi, I’m (insert name here). Can I sit here?

The best thing about the first day of high school is that you’re guaranteed to meet a bunch of new people. Even if you’re more on the shy side, somebody a little more daring will probably try to start a conversation with you to make you feel welcome. Every class, break, club, and even passing period in the halls is an opportunity to talk to someone new. If you’ve already been to orientation and met everybody (or almost everybody) in your class, you’re a step ahead! Figure out who you fit in with best and start yourself a friendship.

Hopefully now you’ve got a good idea of what your first day of high school is going to be like—a little crazy and a lot of fun. So go out, be confident, and have a great first day! It’s the start of one wild ride you’ll never forget.