By Katie, high school freshman in Michigan.

High school. A new chapter in my life. This is the blog series chronicling my year as a freshman.

Summer Homework

• No, it’s not all that enjoyable. But by getting your reading, and, in my case, math problems done before August comes around is super helpful because one day it’ll be three weeks before you start school and you turn around and you’ll have three days of summer vacation left.

 Freshman Orientation

• If you have the opportunity to attend, go. It may be held at a time that’s way too early for a teenager, but to be able to know where your classes are and to get advice from older kids who have been there is invaluable.

School Supplies

• Go to the stores early. They’re always packed the week before class begins, and if you want your choice of notebooks and folders and whatnot, it’s best to stock up at the beginning of August when the sales are just starting.
• The best binders are the Staples brand. They come in a ton of colors and are made of hard plastic and reinforced rubber. I’ve been using one of mine every day for two years and it looks like new. In terms of backpacks, I’ve used a JanSport Big Student for four years, and it has been an incredible investment. It’s big enough to hold five or six textbooks, a multitude of folders and notebooks, and a few binders to boot.

First Day of School Outfit

• Make it memorable and make it you. Don’t be afraid to wear a few glitzy accessories, wear a new color. However, do a trial run (especially remember to break in your shoes) before school starts to make sure you won’t have any unexpected wardrobe malfunctions halfway through the day…