Tips for Making New Years Matter

1. Examine your goals. How are they worded? Why are they your goals?

I often find that goals (even my own!) are superficial in nature. Things like “losing weight”, or “reading more books” are unspecific, and they often lack meaning. Ask yourself WHY you want to make a change. If you aren’t truly going to be fulfilled by making changes, the changes won’t happen. 

2. Make a Plan

One comment I get fairly often is that I’m “the most type A person” my friends have ever met, and I see that as my super power. Buy a cute planner and specifically devise a plan to accomplish your resolutions. Set “mini-goals” or checkpoints every few weeks, make a schedule, and WRITE! IT! DOWN! Neuroscientists have said that writing goals down makes them 42% more likely to happen, and that’s not a coincidence.

3. Use Accountability Partners

Discipline is hard to practice, and it’s even harder to build. Discipline can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Spend New Years Eve eating yummy food and hanging out with friends, and set goals while you do so. Make a plan, and rely on each other to stick to it! When I get texts from friends asking me if I’ve had my water amount or finished my book club book, I feel healthy pressure to complete it, and knowing those questions are coming motivates me to stick with my resolutions. Not to mention, everything is more fun with friends!

4. Adjust, Adjust, Adjust!

I am great at overestimating myself. I feel unstoppable with my surplus of free time over holiday break and have a tendency to be slightly unrealistic with my resolution setting. When school starts back sometimes I feel as though my goals are unattainable, and that has pushed me away from them in the past. Adjusting as you go -adding more or reducing your load- can be a powerful skill. Less is better than none, and quite frankly, if you feel like what you’re doing is too much, reduction can be healthier than pushing forward. Don’t be afraid to take a step back at times. Recognizing your needs is a strength, not a weakness.

Wishing 2026 brings you happiness, good health, and healthy habits!

The post Making New Years Matter: Tips for Setting Goals appeared first on GirlSpring.

Brighten Up With Bold Colors

One of the easiest ways to add a splash of personality to any outfit is to wear colorful shoes. For instance, you can instantly transform a simple jeans-and-tee combo with a pair of vibrant red chunky sneakers or cheerful yellow sandals. It’s a simple change that makes a huge impact. Keeping a few pairs of boldly colored shoes in your closet gives you a quick way to express your style and brighten your day.

Comfort Is Always in Style

Who says you have to sacrifice comfort for fashion? Happy feet lead to happy days, and there are so many stylish options that feel as good as they look. For long days spent at school or seeing friends, always choose sandals with arch support.

These aren’t your grandma’s orthopedic shoes anymore. Today’s arch-friendly designs look great while keeping you comfortable from morning to night. When your feet are supported, you can focus on enjoying the moment instead of counting down the minutes until you can kick your shoes off.

Embrace Versatile Neutrals

While bold colors are fun, a solid collection of neutral footwear is the foundation of a versatile high school and eventual college wardrobe. Think classic white sneakers, elegant black heels, or timeless brown loafers. These go-to pairs match practically everything, taking the guesswork out of getting ready on those days when you just don’t want to bother with bold.

A great pair of neutral shoes ensures you always have a reliable option that pulls your outfit together seamlessly. And since you know these shoes are there, you get to spend more time enjoying your day and less time stressing in front of your closet. This is one of the best footwear hacks that make dressing up fun and simple because it works every time.

Your Next Step to Effortless Style

With these simple tips, you can make your footwear add joy and ease to your daily routine. From a pop of color to the perfect neutral, the right shoes can make all the difference in your daily look!

The post Footwear Hacks That Make Dressing Up Fun and Simple appeared first on GirlSpring.

To SAT, or Not To SAT

Deciding whether to take the test or not may seem like a complicated decision, but it doesn’t have to be. In general, private universities are more likely than public universities to require standardized test scores, and highly ranked or international universities almost always need the test. These are general guidelines, and ultimately, your choice should be based on individual circumstances and your college plans. It is best to check the universities you are considering on a case-by-case basis, as they can differ greatly in terms of policies and acceptance rates. Remember, if a school is test-optional, only submit your highest scores, as lower scores will weaken your overall application. 

Since preparing for the SAT requires months of studying and can stress even the most veteran scholars, you should only take the exam if it is necessary or if it could fill any gaps you may have in your application to get into one of your dream schools. 

It is important to note that the SAT costs $68 each time. The College Board makes it easy to apply for a fee waiver to cover the cost of two tests.

Study Recommendations

You should begin preparing two to three months before your exam date. Before anything else, you must create a College Board account, download the Bluebook app, and take a full-length practice test. This test will be scored like the official SAT and is a great way to pinpoint which areas need improvement. Do not stress over your practice test results; this is just a base for your studies.

Review all incorrect answers and identify areas of strength and weakness, whether it is reading and writing, math, or pacing the test. After that, log on to Khan Academy, which partners with the SAT, and go to the SAT section and practice according to your weak spots. Additional resources, like YouTube, can also be very beneficial, as there are a plethora of videos addressing every type of question the SAT poses. Remember: there are only six official practice tests on Bluebook. To avoid wasting these tests, only take them after seriously studying.

Although everyone’s study path is unique, I have linked a few videos below that give excellent foundational advice:

All of SAT Math Explained in 26 Minutes

The only SAT Math DESMOS Guide you’ll ever need

All of SAT Reading Explained in 21 Minutes  

How to Score a 750+ on the SAT Reading without Reading the Whole Passage! 

The SAT season runs from August to June and is offered seven times each year. This means there are plenty of times to try again if your first score is not what you wanted. Colleges typically consider only the highest score submitted and understand that it is completely normal to take the SAT more than once. 

Test Day Expectations

The SAT registration is offered on the College Board website, and you must register at least a month in advance, as testing spots often fill up quickly. Testing centers typically open at 7:45 a.m., and the exam begins around  8:00 a.m. The SAT lasts two hours and forty-one minutes and is divided into a reading and writing section, a math section, and a ten-minute break in between. The reading and writing portion allows seventy-one seconds per question, while the math portion allows ninety-five seconds per question. 

On test day, I recommend arriving a few minutes early with a valid ID, admissions ticket, pencil, and a water bottle. Additionally, during the ten-minute break, bring a light snack and keep your body moving to keep yourself energized for the math section, as the reading may cause fatigue. If the timing of the test does not work for you, it is worth noting that the SAT does offer accommodations that are easy to request.

While the SAT may appear intimidating, the most important piece of advice for the test is to understand what the question is truly asking. Remember: if you understand the question, you already know half of the answer.

All things considered, the SAT does not have to be a scary test that will determine your future. If the SAT is not something that is for you that is fine. If the SAT is something that will get you to where you need to be, that is also fine. Remember to study smarter, not harder, keep your head in the game, and take a few deep breaths. This test is only one piece of the bigger picture that is your future.

The post SAT Tips and Tricks appeared first on GirlSpring.

Go to a pumpkin patch.

The epitome of fall is picking pumpkins, wandering through corn mazes, and drinking apple cider at a local pumpkin patch. Bring a friend, partner, or your family along for a super fun, crisp afternoon!

Decorate your house.

Decorating is the perfect way to get into a festive mood, whether you are decorating for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just the autumn season. Depending on your budget, you can either try to DIY some decor or make a trip to the shopping centers. Decorating is what sets the vibe for the rest of your holiday season.

Watch a movie.

Fall is the perfect season to set up an outdoor projector and binge your favorite fall films! Whether you are a horror fan or prefer a cozier alternative, enjoying a movie under the beautiful changing leaves is a fun way to spend an autumn evening. Need movie recommendations? Check out this article for ideas!

Visit a spooky attraction.

Halloween is my favorite part of the fall season. Haunted houses are perfect for groups who like the adrenaline rush and can handle the frights. If you are a bit of a scaredy cat, haunted trails may be a better option for you than a full-on haunted house, and they are great to go to with your family!

Carve pumpkins.

Of course, what would fall be without carving pumpkins?! Some love to make it a competition to see who can carve the best pumpkin, while others may prefer a chill craft night. Carving isn’t the only way to decorate your pumpkin patch pick—painting pumpkins is a super fun and less messy alternative!

Have a game night.

While game night is not a fall-exclusive activity, what better weather is there than a crisp autumn night to stay in, eat snacks, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition with your family and friends?

Try new seasonal recipes.

Fall brings a plethora of warm, cozy seasonal flavors, like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and other spices. Most importantly, it marks the beginning of soup and pie seasons. There are tons of new recipes on TikTok or Pinterest that incorporate these warm flavors into interesting dinner or dessert ideas. Trying recipes is an excellent activity because the cooking part is fun, and there is something yummy to eat when you’re finished.

Throw a Friendsgiving.

Fall is for family, friends, and spending time with those you love. Thanksgiving is soon, but friends can be just as important as family, so celebrate with your besties over a potluck of savory dishes and sweet treats. Show off your party planning skills with fall-themed games and crafts!

Watch a football game.

Sports fanatic or not, football is the game of the season. Hanging out with your friend, cheering on your team, and listening to the band while enjoying a concession stand snack is a perfect way to spend a Friday night. If you like the game, you can watch it on most sports networks nearly every day of the week.

Take a hike.

Cooler weather and beautiful leaves make for the perfect hike. A mountain hike is the ideal way to watch as the leaves change from deep greens to bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Birds migrate in early fall, so this is also the prime time for bird watching! Spend some time outdoors and enjoy the last days of fall weather before winter comes.

The post Fun Fall Activities appeared first on GirlSpring.

The right accessories transform basic outfits into fashion statements that reflect your personality. Whether you’re heading to class, hanging out with friends, or attending special events, the accessories you choose tell your story before you even speak.

Match Your Lifestyle and Daily Activities

Your signature style should complement your actual life, not conflict with it. If you spend most of your time at school, choose accessories that won’t get caught in locker doors or distract you during presentations.

Consider your daily routine when selecting pieces. Athletic girls might gravitate toward sporty watches and minimalist jewelry, while creative types might love layered necklaces and unique hair accessories.

Identify Colors That Make You Glow

Colors have the power to make you look radiant or washed out. Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting and hold different colored fabrics near your face. Notice which shades make your eyes pop and your skin look healthy.

These colors should dominate your accessory collection:

• Warm undertones: Gold jewelry, coral, and warm browns
• Cool undertones: Silver jewelry, blues, and cool grays
• Neutral undertones: Both gold and silver work beautifully

Once you identify your best colors, shopping becomes much simpler because you can focus on pieces that flatter you.

Start With One Statement Piece

Building your personal styling approach works best when you focus on one standout accessory per outfit. These could be bold earrings, a chunky necklace, a colorful scarf, or an interesting bag. The statement piece becomes the focal point of your outfit, while other accessories should support rather than compete with it.

This prevents your look from becoming overwhelming while allowing you to experiment with different fashion accessories. You’ll also get more wear out of each piece since they won’t be fighting for attention.

Mix Textures and Materials Thoughtfully

Combining different textures adds visual interest to your outfits without requiring expensive pieces. Pair smooth metals with rough fabrics, or combine soft scarves with structured bags. The key lies in maintaining balance rather than throwing together random textures.

Experiment with unexpected combinations, such as leather and lace, or denim and silk. These contrasts create dynamic looks that showcase your creative side.

Care for Your Investment Pieces

Quality accessories deserve proper attention to maintain their appearance and longevity. Protect and care for your jewelry by storing pieces separately to prevent scratching, cleaning them regularly, and removing them before swimming or showering. Well-maintained accessories always look more expensive and polished.

Create a simple routine for accessory care. Wipe down metal pieces after wearing them, store delicate items in soft pouches, and rotate your collection to prevent excessive wear on favorite pieces.

Build a Versatile Foundation Collection

Your signature style develops over time, so focus on building a foundation of versatile pieces that work with multiple outfits. Classic items, such as simple stud earrings, a quality watch, and a neutral handbag, form the backbone of any accessory collection.

From this foundation, you can add personality through seasonal pieces, trendy items, and unique finds that reflect your evolving taste. The goal involves creating a collection that feels authentically you while remaining practical for your lifestyle.

Finding your signature style through accessories becomes an exciting journey of self-expression when you approach it systematically. Your style will evolve as you grow, and that’s exactly how it should be.

The post Accessorizing 101: How to Find Your Signature Style appeared first on GirlSpring.

You have an assignment due at midnight. Suddenly, the urge to clean your room, read a book, scroll through Instagram, or do literally anything else intensifies, even if the other task isn’t more desirable. That is procrastination. It’s tempting to blame laziness, but this runs deeper. An essential component of overcoming hindrances is understanding why we procrastinate.

The Hidden Costs

Procrastination can be called an emotional coping mechanism because, at its core, it is the brain’s way of avoiding discomfort. Everyone’s reasons for procrastination are different, usually masking something more profound, which can be boiled down to one (or more) of the following:

● Fear: The fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons many prefer to avoid rather than commit. It’s easy to say failure teaches, but failure often demotivates people. Past failures, the thought that you could fail, or the constant feeling of doom all cause people to overthink rather than allowing the chance to try.
● Gratification: Small endorphin highs can be addictive, making them more desirable than
something that induces anxiety. Procrastination is linked to the brain’s limbic system, which craves pleasure, overpowering the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making.
● Perfectionism: We want conditions to be “just right.” Instead of producing imperfect work, we wait for the mythical perfect moment– something that just never comes.

The real trouble is that procrastination rarely leaves you feeling fine once the gratification and rush of the other task subside. The guilt in the aftermath leaves you feeling worse than before. Delaying tasks creates a constant mental weight; even when we’re “resting,” the undone task is a continuous burden on the mind, causing anxiety and stress. The guilt accumulates every time we procrastinate, making the task seem even less desirable, as it is associated with feelings of self-hatred and self-blame. Ultimately, it can erode your confidence and ability to perform any task, making you less dependable to those around you.

Procrastination is not the Enemy.

Everyone assumes that procrastination is just inherently bad. There are times when procrastination serves as a way to protect you from losing a part of yourself or exhausting yourself. Creative people often procrastinate in search of the right inspiration. The body’s way of saying that it simply cannot go on presents as mental burnout and physical fatigue.
So while you battle procrastination, take a moment to ask yourself: “Why am I actually procrastinating?” Is it fear, or is it something else? There are parts of yourself you only discover when you question yourself at your most vulnerable state. Be honest with yourself, and only then will you actually succeed.

With Women, Yet Another Layer Emerges.

Many women struggle with perfectionism, driven by the hardships of their past and society’s endless expectations. Some say women put things off because we don’t care enough or care too much. The truth is, women have things to plan besides their tasks that are often procrastinated. Every activity can be mentally draining, so when we finally sit down to work on our own goals, our exhaustion takes over. So while the fight wages on, one really has nothing left to give.

Outsmarting yourself

Once you understand the root of your procrastination, you can effectively tackle it. The basis of most psychological solutions is to reframe the perspective, allowing yourself to challenge your mind and work around your problems on your own.

● Schedule breaks: Incentivizing your tasks with a break is a common tactic in most study methods or techniques. This tip enables you to schedule your breaks and time off, giving you something to look forward to. It gives your brain a time limit to work with, knowing that relief is just around the corner.

● Relief as motivation: Getting through a task you procrastinated can be hard. Try picturing yourself in the future: happy, relaxed, and proud. Strive towards making that your reality.

● Compassion over criticism: Allow yourself to procrastinate and tell yourself that it is okay to do it occasionally. The shame and guilt cycle reinforces the feeling of procrastination more than forgiving oneself and allowing for imperfection.

● Reward Progress: In any scenario, effort is significant and should be celebrated. Accepting and being proud of yourself for every step you take will create a sense of pride.

● Take Responsibility: Asking others to help hold you accountable, or training yourself to take responsibility for any past procrastination, will motivate you to prevent it.

There is no right or wrong approach; ultimately, motivation is a state of mind. Deadlines motivate some people, while they deter others. The freedom of time sparks creativity for some, while it makes it impossible for others to do tasks under the illusion of “there is still time.”

It’s not about time, it’s about trusting yourself.

Your brain is wired to seek comfort and avoid pain. Procrastination is a term applied when the “pain” is avoided past the point at which you can do the task well. It is not laziness in its entirety; it runs deeper. Even the tiniest step forward proves something powerful to yourself. You can start, follow through, and trust yourself.
So, remember to ask what’s wrong before beating yourself up. Then, ask yourself what the smallest possible step you can take is. Once you begin, you may surprise yourself at where you end up.

Need some more study tips? Read this!

The post The Psychology of Procrastination appeared first on GirlSpring.

In these moments, there is a split second where one decides to conform or reject the pressure. The cycle goes, the more you agree, the easier it is to agree the next time. These tiny compromises slowly chip away at your sense of self as opposed to one big moment of weakness.

At its Core

Peer pressure, fundamentally, is a form of influence, whether good or bad. A spoken word or a silent nudge biased towards a specific action aimed to align with others instead of yourself.

We like to think that peer pressure is a teenage thing; it goes beyond that, and it becomes smarter, a lot more mature. From bad parties, bad people, and bad choices to overspending, overindulging, and overcommitting– peer pressure can influence anyone from any age group.

It’s not by definition a bad thing. For example, being around ambitious, intelligent people motivates someone to work harder and be better. Peer pressure becomes a problem when one action crosses a line, an action you normally wouldn’t do, an action that reflects what people want you to be rather than who you are.

The Subtle Art of Saying Yes (When You Mean No)

Peer pressure works because it preys on something deeply human– our need to belong. Our sense of belonging allows us to feel comfortable with those around us, but it comes at a cost. Think of the last time you said yes to someone reluctantly. The decision, though fleeting, had a sour aftertaste: resentment, guilt, regret.

The expectation to say yes when so many people are involved is what prompts responses, which eventually reduces down to one person asking. The trouble with saying yes to others is that habits stick. You start outsourcing your decisions, silencing your instincts, and eventually, you stop trusting your own judgment.

Your gut instincts are the ones you truly should always rely on. Even the slightest negative feeling should prompt you out of unsafe situations, as it is truly better to be safe than to deal with the consequences of giving in. Peer pressure never disappears. People will always have an opinion on how you should live your life because, in their eyes, it is the right way. The real change comes from trusting your inside voice, ensuring it doesn’t get drowned in the eruption of cheers when you say yes.

Questions to ask yourself before saying Yes

Do I wanna do this, or do I want to fit in?

Is the “Yes” from desire or fear?

If no one was watching or judging, would I still choose this?

Saying NO!

Rejecting an idea or action does not have to be dramatic or spiteful; it is simply not your place to be doing that action, so in your right, you can say no to the question. It also doesn’t need to be accompanied by an apology or promises to make amends. “No.” is a complete sentence. Refusing peer pressure should be done calmly and with confidence.

“No, that doesn’t work for me.”

“I have different priorities at the moment.”

“I don’t think I can right now.”

The world will not end when you say no to someone. In fact, because you are now given the freedom to do what you want, the world might just begin. Yes, not all peer pressure is bad. Oftentimes, it’s another person wanting to spend time with you. A true friend would ask you what you want to do instead of getting offended or throwing a fit and judging.

Redefine Belonging

At the end of the day, your oldest and closest companion is always yourself. Peer pressure challenges you, your identity, and your sense of self. Conforming essentially means betraying that. Does belonging really justify betraying yourself?

NO is never about conditional friendships and understanding. It’s about being understood for who you are. You do not really belong if you have to change yourself. Your life is not going to get bigger and better when you say yes to everything; it will definitely be more enriched if you say yes to the right things.

The best thing sometimes is smiling kindly at the crowd, saying a pleasant “No,” and making your way home safely.

Read more about how peer pressure can affect safety here!

The post Peer Pressure (& How to Not Fall for It) appeared first on GirlSpring.

It’s important to know what you want to do in the future and set your plans. As people say, planning a dream turns it into a to-do list, just waiting for you to cross it off. I realized that if I want to complete this to-do list, I have to go above and beyond. I can’t rely on opportunities that may come my way; I need to stand up and search for those opportunities myself. So I do. I make use of search engines, social media, and anything I can use to handpick my opportunities. 

I knew I wanted to help someone, but I couldn’t go there physically, so I got on the internet. When I found out remote volunteering exists, I decided to do just that. I used to envy people my age with high volunteer hours. But I realized, what’s the use of envying people, of whining that I can’t physically attend events? So I started applying through Google Forms, cold emailing people, anything I could possibly think of.

After landing some volunteer roles, I realized how this practice changed my whole lifestyle. In-person volunteering would have been ideal, but weirdly enough, I find it comforting to get to work with tons of people and build relationships without stepping outside of my bedroom. I get to yap to people about things I care about, and implement my interests and hobbies. At the same time, it’s also a learning experience. I’ve learned about the various cultures of different regions, and and I’ve taught myself techniques like emailing etiquette. I also learned how to easily fill the gap caused by digital constraints. Safe to say, remote volunteering gives the same experience and soft-skill training as on-site volunteering.

Time zones are your biggest ‘frenemies’ in remote volunteering. As I said before, if geographically, you’re living way across the globe, chances are high you’ll need to wake up when people near you are asleep. It can be hard to keep yourself sane on midnight meetings, and it’s not easy experiencing FOMO when the place you’re volunteering at has a physical event. Trying to keep up with other countries’ slang or cultures can be tricky, too. Some other struggles could be digital faculties like internet problems, regional-based apps, or miscommunications. 

During my time learning and remote volunteering, I have figured out some things I wish I knew before I started. 

• Your team won’t always understand you. 

Digital limitations are usually the number 1 reason this happens. Let alone texts, even calling can create miscommunications, too. Set daily reminders to be patient — it’s a powerful habit worth building. Good teamwork needs great communication and understanding among the members.

• Public Holidays sometimes don’t matter.

Whether your country is on a public holiday, like Independence Day or Eid Al-Fitr, if it’s not a globally recognized public holiday, you’ll still find yourself attending meetings and writing recaps. Yes, it might be tiring. This does not happen all the time, especially if you’re volunteering for a place that doesn’t need daily reports. You just need to learn how to manage your time, and finish all your tasks according to the deadline, without disturbing your schedule.

• Urgent help can’t be expected.

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a struggle? Whether it is accessing the organization chat applications, or help with finishing a task? The cons of working far away from your team are that when you need help, you can’t expect it to be answered quickly. Most of the time, I leave my help request and go to sleep. Even then, it does not guarantee it will be answered by the time I wake up.

Now, how do you start? Here are some tips I learned throughout my time remote volunteering.

1. Know your “Why”. Why do you want to volunteer? Is it to help people or to gain hours? Gaining hours is a reasonable answer, just make sure this reason, since it’s not in your interests, won’t make you burn out.
2. What’s your limit? Understand each position you will be applying for, or find positions that you know you can put time and effort into. Make sure you know every bit. If needed, use a SWOT analysis or weigh pros and cons. Make sure you know your limit, like how many hours per week you will devote. Would you be okay with unpaid gigs? Would it disrupt your grades or school?
3. Find the right opportunities for you. The internet is all you need. Seems easy enough, until you realize mid-process that you’re not applying to the right places, or that a place does not align with your passions. You can contact open volunteering sites through their website or email. Places like VolunteerMatch, idealist.org, Catchafire can help you find the right opportunities. Or you can contact places you want to volunteer at, like I did to become a springboarder for Girlspring.
4. Learn to LOVE it.
   Yes, you are unpaid when you volunteer. But that does not mean you get to be negligent. Turning on a time-recording app without doing anything can get you kicked out of the organization and keep you from getting a certification. Leaving meetings, never doing anything- this is not what volunteering is. Aside from hours and certifications, volunteering also helps sharpen your soft skills. So not making great use of it won’t benefit you at all.
5. Keep track of EVERYTHING. Even when you’re not applying to or taking part in lots of organizations, still keep track. It’s easy to get lost and to forget things when there’s so much to focus on with school and your social life, too. Keeping track of your organizations, tasks, volunteer hours, specific links, and meetings could benefit you a LOT!
6. Reflect on post-actions. When it is the end of your term, make sure you reflect on what you have been doing. Make sure you understand what you did, your impacts, and prepare your answers if people ask about your time at the organization.

These are all written based on my own personal experience as someone who has dived into the remote volunteering world. Feel free to drop a comment and share your own experience! When you feel like you’re restrained from reaching your finish line, it’s your responsibility to find a way to stop that restraint from getting to you. If you are thinking of doing remote internships too, don’t fuss a lot, it is fun, I promise! Volunteer your heart out and never let geography limit you.

The post Complete Guide to Remote Volunteering, Even When Geography Limits You. appeared first on GirlSpring.

As an upcoming senior who has grown a lot over the last few years, here are the essential tips for surviving and thriving in your first year of high school to help you have the best high school experience!

1. Don’t stress about the increase in workload

It sounds easier said than done, right? Having to do more work can be scary because it means more stress and less fun. You might be rethinking how ready you are. However, it is be doable!

Remember, the workload assigned in high school is designed for your age group, so everyone else will be having the same struggles (whether they admit it or not). Think back to when you were in elementary school when you were so worried about going to the next grade – well this is the same!

Well, good news, you made it! This year will be very similar to the past few years. You might be thinking it’s going to be impossible, but all of the sudden you’ll be heading to 10th grade and realizing you made it through!

      2. Be prepared for your friends to switch around – it’s natural!

One of the worst feelings can be losing a friend. Whether that be abruptly or slowly, it hurts all the same. But remember, you’re growing up and finding yourself, which sometimes means outgrowing certain friends. Your personalities might have matched in elementary or middle school, but people change over time, which is totally normal.

People never stay the same their whole lives, especially as they mature. Although this might be tough at first, you will meet other people later on who you might get along great with. With this in mind, be open to creating friendships with all different types of people! Just because you have different hobbies, doesn’t mean your personalities won’t go great together!

       3. Don’t be afraid to say no – or yes!

Given the increased workload in high school, you’re now at the age when, “my mom said I have to stay home and study,” is the best excuse for saying no to an invitation.

High school can be hard, especially when your friends start partaking in activities you may or may not want to join in on. If you don’t want to do those same things and don’t feel comfortable telling people that, there’s nothing wrong with slowly distancing yourself.

Moreover, growing up comes with freedom, and if you feel comfortable with something and you know you won’t be doing anything wrong, then don’t feel guilty about it.

      4. Learn to cope with jealousy

As you grow up, you might encounter more complex or difficult social situations than you did before. Maybe your two closest friends are having a sleepover without you, or the friend group you thought you were a part of is having a group function without you. Maybe you can’t afford the new store everyone is shopping at, or you’re the only one of your friends without a boyfriend or girlfriend, so you miss out on the double dates.

Dealing with jealousy in high school is inevitable. Some people you know may leave you feeling genuinely left out, but if you feel comfortable mentioning it to them, then go ahead. It’s important to remember that these things will happen now and then throughout your life, and you might even make someone feel like this without realizing it!

Try to keep in mind that if you’re comfortable with yourself, jealousy doesn’t sting as badly. Also, if someone is purposefully leaving you out, they are clearly dealing with their own insecurities, which has nothing to do with you.

What if people left you out but not purposefully? Feeling like no one even thought of you can sometimes hurt even worse. In cases like these, those people clearly aren’t your real friends, but that’s okay. Be happy with people you click with, and it’ll feel so much better than feeling left out by the “popular” crew.

        5. Join those clubs

During my freshman year of high school, I moved to a new city to attend a new school. Being in a new setting without knowing anyone on the first day of school was possibly one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life. I can still feel the crippling anxiety I felt as I got out of the car.

I sat by someone who looked nice and tried to start conversation by asking, “what homeroom do you have?” After the conversation picked up, I realized it wasn’t so bad. Over the next month, I joined every club my schedule would allow, and that’s how I met my people!

Clubs are the best way to find friends with similar interests as you. Plus, they look great to colleges – a win-win! I cannot recommend anything as much as getting involved. As long as you don’t overwhelm yourself, you won’t regret it!

Here’s a cute book about transitioning into freshman year! And don’t forget to check out Girl Spring’s advice on freshman year tips!

The post Essential Tips for Surviving and Thriving in Your First Year of High School appeared first on GirlSpring.

GirlSpring’s Affirmation Wednesday is a weekly series that shares uplifting affirmations written by teen girls, for teen girls. These affirmations were created by girls who participated in the Girls at the Center Program, which was supported by a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Alabama in 2022 and 2024. Each Wednesday, a new affirmation is posted to help others feel seen, encouraged, and motivated to take on the week with confidence.

What makes it special is that the affirmations come straight from real girls who’ve been through it—sharing honest, heartfelt words that inspire others to keep going. It’s all about building a positive space where girls support each other, one powerful affirmation at a time

1. I am loved by many people. 
2. You try your best. 
3. You are caring, and others care for you. 
4. Your body is beautiful. 
5. If you fall, get back up! 
6. You are strong. 
7. You are courageous. 
8. You are gifted. 
9. You have talents; use them!
10. You are perfectly imperfect. 
11. You are special. 
12. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. 
13. I am a likeable person with friends and family who are glad I am here. 

The post Girlspring Affirmation Wednesday appeared first on GirlSpring.