With school now back in session, Hingham High School has welcomed a new group of students, the Class of 2029. The transition to high school for freshmen isn’t always easy and this new environment can take some getting used to. Whether it’s the drop schedule, having no lockers, or navigating the new campus, this new school can prove to be challenging for freshmen. This is why it is important that the older members of the student body share their tips and tricks with the Class of 2029 for navigating life in high school. 

The list below contains different tips and pieces of advice from the sophomores, juniors, and seniors here at Hingham High School in hopes that it can help make the transition to high school easier for the Class of 2029. 

1. Giving your all

Something that every upperclassmen talks about is how important it is to try your best during freshman year in order to build a good GPA. Upperclassmen often regret not trying enough or putting in the effort for good grades when they started as a freshman. It is extremely important that you put in your best effort to succeed academically here at HHS. Tilly Kenny, a junior at HHS, says, “My best tip for freshmen is to take it seriously and put in a lot of effort. It makes a big impact on your grades freshman year.” Similarly, Elise Fickes, a senior at HHS, says, “Basically just focus in for your freshman year, it’s the basis of your high school career and you want to start off on a high note.” It is extremely beneficial for the long-run to try your very best and take advantage of this year.

2. Get involved

Hingham High School has a variety of extracurriculars that students can choose to be a part of depending on their interests. From sports, music, drama, and clubs, there are so many options for getting involved, which is extremely important as a freshman. However, it is important to keep in mind to not overcommit to more extracurriculars than your schedule can handle. Charlotte Gregory, a sophomore at HHS, says, “The best thing about high school is the extracurriculars, so make sure you join a sport or a club.” Extracurriculars offer a chance for you to join a community and feel more at home here at Hingham High School. 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

One of the biggest problems in high school is the workload on top of extracurricular activities, which is why it’s important to not be afraid to ask for help. Older students recommend staying after school with teachers when you can and asking questions to make sure you understand the material you are learning if you are confused. It’s important to not suffer in silence and fall behind so don’t be afraid to look for some guidance. 

4. Do your work

I know this seems pretty straightforward but it is always a good reminder. During freshman year you get so many different responsibilities thrown at you. The intense workload that Hingham High School usually puts out can be difficult to handle. It’s important to actually put in the effort, do your homework, and study in order to keep up your grades, which are significantly more important for your future plans than they were in middle school. 

5. Don’t overcommit/put too much on your plate 

It might seem like now that you are independent and in high school, there are so many different clubs and activities to get involved in that you may feel like you have to join all of them. I hate to break it to you, but doing more clubs and activities than you can handle may cause you to burn out in the long run. It is important to pick and choose what clubs and activities work best for you and your lifestyle.

6. Stay organized

It is vital to stay organized in high school because if you don’t, then you can easily fall behind and it can be very hard to catch up. It is important to maintain the balance between school, extracurricular activities, and life in general. What can be helpful is having an agenda book or a planner, either online or on paper, where you can easily keep track of your assignments and things you need to do. Also, having a physical calendar or using an online one is great for looking at and keeping track of all your activities. Staying organized like this can significantly lower your stress and keep you from getting too overwhelmed.  

7. Have fun and participate in school events 

So many people say this, but high school really does go by fast. When the Class of 2029 become seniors, this realization may finally hit. So, make sure to enjoy every moment, the highs and lows, and try to find the fun in everything. Participate in as many school events as you can like Spirit Weeks, Homecoming, Junior and Senior Proms, going to Friday night football games and other home sports games, concerts, plays, and more. It will be time to graduate before you know it!