<p>At my school, it's more seniors that pick up freshman girls. Heh, for our senior shirt ideas for next years, the guys want to put on "Guys, Class of 2006" and on the back "Girls, Class 2010: lookin' good." Obviously they lost it since a. us girls would look creepy/never wear it and b. the parents of those girls would freak out. So, yeah, that's very real.</p>
<p>She also needs to understand that the next four years will probably be the toughest so far. Friends will change, standards change, and she'll change. She needs to have a good grasp on the fact that she will make mistakes, her friends will make mistakes, etc. </p>
<p>As for friends, they change. I have friends from as far back as kindergarden. I've lost friends and made friends. Seriously, from freshman year until now (junior) I've gotten to know some of the people that have been in the background of my life so much better. Some of them I found to be cool people and others to be real jerks. I've made friends where throughout high school, our opinions changed as we grew, and we couldn't get past those conflicts. The ones that I have now are awesome, I really couldn't ask for better. I don't think we have all that much in common - yet our personalities and everything click. You can find friends in people you wouldn't have thought of, but once you have found a good group of people, it's a little bond. It helps to have support in high school. </p>
<p>As for your beliefs - they'll change. Have a good idea of what they are, but they will change. The most important thing is change them because you,personally, want to without outside influence. Chances are if you do something because of outside pressures, you'll later regret it. Other chances are, even your own decision will make you regret something you've done, but at least then you can say, "Okay, that's not what I want to do. I've learned my lesson, moving on." </p>
<p>Get involved. I have to admit, I'm not the most active person in my high school. My huge passion - horseback riding and guitar - don't have anything to do with my school. This year my friends and I finally got the club we've wanted forever - a literary journal. I'm in love with it. I've met so many different people that I never imagined meeting. Yet, we all share the passion of writing/art. It gets stressful, but it's so much fun too. So, get involved in something - at school, it helps since you'll make friends and meet a very wide variety of people. Even if it's only one thing, if you're passionate about it, do it. If there are other interests outside of school, that's fine too - chances are you could meet people from your school in that activity, or make friends with people from neighbouring schools. If you don't know anybody in a club but really want to do it - don't hesitate, go for it. When I started high school, I took that first week to be outgoing - and that one week was all I needed to get my foot in the door. So, even if she's normally shy, just jump out of the shell once and chances are, next time you'll be comfortable. </p>
<p>Make teacher alliances. Even with the worst teachers. The best thing to do is be polite, smile, and act enthusiastic. Be on time for class with all materials. That way, if you goof up once, they normally let it slide. I have a good reputation with teachers, so I'm treated in a kinder manner than the ones that are falling asleep in class and forgetting there books. Plus, teachers talk - you don't want to be the student that the teachers are warning eachother about. A positive reputation with the teachers will help you so much because you'll be spending a lot of time with them. Classes get tougher, and you have to go in for help sometimes, or early labs or projects. Plus, you'll want to have a selection of teachers for letters of recommendation when you get to the college process or contests/competitions that sometimes require a letter from a teacher. </p>
<p>And please, please don't get into drugs and drinking. I can't stress that enough. I have friends that drink occasionally, and they aren't any less of a person. I admit so much. A lot of teenagers have the tendency though to go crazy on it - and then it's problematic. It'll hurt you more than help. It won't help you make friends. </p>
<p>Oh yes, and remember to study. Trust me, a few bad grades won't kill you in the quarter. But if you're bad grade is on the overall quarter - it won't kill you, but it's not good. Unless you're going to an Ivy league...then that one C will kill you. </p>
<p>Don't get so involved with studying that you never have fun. Weekends should be more fun than studying. Balancing things is key.</p>
<p>Have fun! Really, just try stuff and you'll figure it out. </p>
<p>Also, as a parent, do try to encourage honesty. That's one of the best things my mom has ever done for me. She understands that I'll make mistakes. It doesn't mean she advocates them, but it's a lot less stress for us since I can talk to her. If I'm worried about a friend, a class, boyfriend, etc. then I can go to her. I've never had to sneak out of the house or break any rules really - if I do, I go tell her immediately. She's understanding and would rather know where and what I'm doing than not at all. </p>
<p>Wow, I didn't mean to make it so long...sorry!</p>