Before starting high school we are given endless tips on how to study and do well in our classes.

But what about all of the other aspects of being a student at KHS?

Starting out as a freshman, we are practically clueless.

When senior year comes around, we have matured, and a lot of the things that were important to us freshman year no longer matter.

There are so many things  I wish I had known about before starting my first year here.

Peer pressure

Peer pressure is a real thing.

You need to teach yourself how to say “no” to all types of things.

Do not say yes to something solely because someone tells you it is funny or that everyone is doing it.

I promise you that not everyone is doing it. If it makes you uncomfortable, give a firm “no” or come up with an excuse.

This applies to everything, from people asking to copy your homework to drinking.

Dances

Going to a dance alone is not a big deal.

So what if you do not have a date. You can still have plenty of fun.

Go with friends.

Go alone and dance with other people without dates.

If you are scared to ask someone, you should not be. The worst that can happen is that person saying no.

You will regret not going more than you will going alone.

Friendships

Your friend group is probably going to change.

Some people mature faster than others; some get involved in different groups or clubs.

It is OK to stop being friends with people.

If you feel like a friendship is toxic, move on from it.

When you find friends who are worth keeping, hold onto them.

Cheating

Cheating in any aspect of life is going to hurt you in the long run.

Copying someone else’s work or peeking at someone’s test will not help you.

You may get a good grade on that one assignment, but what happens when you take the exam? You are going to be lost and you will have no way to explain how you magically forgot it.

You will be much better off if you do your own work.

If you need help, ask for it.

Writing down someone else’s words will not make you understand the curriculum.

Student Section

You are finally old enough to stand in the student section at football and basketball games.

Take advantage of it.

Even if upperclassmen force you to the back, you are still going to have more fun than you would sitting by yourself or staying home.

Do not be afraid to cheer, no one is going to make fun of you. The louder the student section is, the better the team feels.

Some of your best memories will be from participating in cheering on your team.

Relationships

Tons of people date throughout high school. It is completely normal and can be fun.

It can also be stressful.

Do not let it affect your study habits. A good boyfriend or girlfriend will not want you to neglect your classes for them.

Some relationships can motivate you to work harder.

If you find someone who makes you happy and inspires you to keep your grades up, practice your sport harder, or volunteer more, hang onto them.

If a relationship feels wrong, do not continue pursuing it.

You are not going to be “forever alone” just because you were single in high school.

Be yourself

Way too often people get caught up in what is “popular.”

You are going to be a lot happier and have a much better high school experience if you do what you want.

Bullying is not much of a problem at KHS.

Most students are tolerant, so you do not have to worry about expressing yourself.