Freshman year can be a tough transition from middle school into high school. Incomprehensible geometry formulas and long writing workshop papers can all seem like a lot to deal with. But, no worries. Here are 17 tips for the Class of 2017 to guarantee a smooth, enjoyable, and low-pressure year in terms of school and social life. 

1. Download the Marymount iCal schedule on your computer so that you’ll never be wondering what time lunch ends or class starts. If you don’t have it, email Kelli Huynh in the tech office.
2. Before a big essay assignment, meet with your teachers as soon as possible. Your teachers are your greatest tools, so take advantage of that. Also, they are the ones grading your essay. As an alternative, visit Writing Center during lunch or preps on Monday through Friday in Ms. Zamora’s room, B205, to get feedback from student writing tutors.
3. Make use of your free period. You can get a lot done in 75 minutes. If you get distracted easily or need quiet space, look for an empty classroom or a hallway nook in Butler. Or, head on down to the library (where you will also find One Direction bookmarks).
4. If you are having vicious squirrel issues, hang your lunchboxes on the hangers on the lunch umbrellas. Or, just keep them in your lockers.
5. Detention is not fun, and the easiest way to get detention is for wrong uniform. Wear only Marymount sweaters and white, navy blue, or gray socks. If you have socks with anchors on them, go see Ms. Dykeman for a free detention pass.
6. Don’t have any money, but dying for a snack? Head on down to administration and scavenge the offices for any free M&M’s or goldfish. You can also head down to Ms. Whittell’s room. She always has food.
7. High school is a time for you to get involved in ANYTHING that you think sounds cool or interesting. There are many clubs on campus, so don’t be afraid to join one and get active with other people who share your passions. If you don’t find anything you like, then start a club next year.
8. If you want to unsend emails, Gmail has a feature that will let you do just that in a 30 second time frame.  Go to SETTINGS (looks like a gear on the right side of the page) >Labs> search for Undo Send>Enable.
9. Getting stressed? Your hair is starting to come off? Go see your class counselor for trustworthy advice. In the meantime, drinking tea or hot chocolate and wearing fuzzy socks can help to alleviate your stress.
10.  Have something precious in your bag? Unfortunately, there are thieves on campus. Just be aware and guard your bag or keep it safe in your locker.
11. If you need a digital school planner to keep you on track, go to the app store and get the iProcrastinate app for FREE! This will guarantee your future school success this year.
12. Use Google Docs if you are working with a partner or a group on a project. This allows everyone to see what’s on the document and to work on it together.
13. Take freshman year seriously! Your grades in freshmen year will impact what classes you take sophomore year, so don’t blow off any work. Try hard and give it your all.                                                  
14. If you study well with music, then go to Songza.com. The website creates a variety of playlists for studying, dancing, dealing with a breakup, and more.
15. Be yourself. Cliché, but true! You are going to be with your class for the next four years and they will accept you for who you are. Express who you truly are!
16. Decorate your friend’s locker for her birthday! It’s a great way to make her feel special that day. Bring wallpaper to tape on there with a few pictures of her favorite celebrities. If you want to celebrate even more, then bring her a balloon and bake her a cake!
17. HAVE FUN! BE OUTGOING! LOVE YOURSELF! BE KIND TO OTHERS!