Insider's Guide to High School The Tattoo

Welcome to high school

Cassie Pearce, 17, studying in the library at Helensvale State High School in Brisbane, Australia. (Tasman Anderson/YJI)

MEREBANK, Durban, South Africa – No matter how old we get in life, forgetting your first day at high school is almost impossible.

Remember the butterflies in your chest, the thrills, and constantly wondering if you’re going to fit in or not?

My first day was most definitely a rollercoaster ride.

As I entered those huge gates, I kept saying to myself, “Everything is going to be just fine,” and boy, was I wrong!

The hardest obstacle a freshman has to face is making new friends. Luckily for me, I already had a handful of lost souls by my side.
“The worst part was getting split up on the first day,” said Jade Chetty, a South African student. “I already had a best friend, but there wasn’t much time to see each other, leaving me no choice but to make new friends.”

A question that got me pondering was why freshman are always attacked on the first day. Don’t senior students realise the insecurities being faced by the ‘newbies?’

Having been through it myself, I can honestly say that things will get better.

As days go by, you’ll realize that you’re not alone. Soon months will pass, then years, and before you know it, you’ll be that senior picking on a freshman.

Here’s a little advice: Be nice. History has a cruel way of repeating itself.

Whatever your circumstance may be, remember to choose the right friends and stay focused.

If there’s one I learned throughout my high school years, it’s that education is the key to success.

Nicole Megan Gounder is a Junior Reporter for Youth Journalism International. Tasman Anderson, who took the photograph, is also a Youth Journalism International Reporter.

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