Join something. You don't have to be in the play, you could be in stage crew. You don't have to be on the team, you could see if there's an opening for being the manager of any of the teams. Participate in your high school society – it’s the best way to meet people.

Don't do something that would break your mother's heart. You can do it. It’s only four years.
- Bobby

Make new friends, just be yourself, don’t let people treat you badly, stand up for your self. Highschool is the best years of your life so just have fun – that’s the best advice I can give some one is to have fun but don’t forget about your school and to do your home work. Also don’t be afraid because everyone was in grade 9 at one point and there are tons of kids in the same position as you so don’t worry!
- Kraig

My advice for freshmen is not to get worked up over popularity and social cliques. Your grades are more important, but if you want to make friends, then join a club and be open and honest about yourself
- Nate

be patient and try to remember that your parents really have been through what you're going through and they have your best interests at heart :)
- Jenn

- Do your work every day so you don't get behind.
- Stick with the people who like you for who you are, not what they want you to become.
- Listen to your teachers, they are actually pretty cool. Same with Parents. Believe it or not, they were your age once.
- Always tell your parents where you are going. They only wonder because they love you.
- Drugs may seem cool at the time, but when you're working at McDonalds at age 35, it totally isn't worth it.
- Leanne

Here are a few things that I wish I knew back in the day!
- Don't be afraid to be yourself.
- Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone!
- Be a leader, not a follower.
- Learn as much as you can now, it may not come by as easy later on in life.
- Get involved in sports, teams, groups, etc... It keeps you out of trouble and it helps you learn team work, responsibility and it builds your self-esteem.
- Don't be afraid to speak out, but when you do, speak without offending and listen without defending!
- Don't be afraid to ask for help, being vulnerable doesn't make you weak, in fact it makes you stronger.
- Amanda

My advice would be;
* Be yourself
* Remember everyone is scared, even if it seems like some people aren't
* We all feel like we don't fit in sometimes
* Make use of the social worker in your school
* Get to know your guidance counselor (both of these people can help a lot)
* Get involved in your school (It will also help in the future)
* Don't worry about what other people think, people aren’t as mean as we think they are
* Don't be so hard on yourself
* Meet new people
* Go to class and hand in your work, even if its not done its better than a zero
* Yeah that’s it I think… just know everyone is having a hard time, talk
about your problems if you can and just try to accept yourself for who you are, respect yourself and surround yourself with good people

- : ) Katie

1) join clubs or do sports! everyone will tell you this, but it is so true. You'll meet people and become comfortable with the school building. There are plenty, so pick one and get involved.
2) Talk to people. Don't be annoying or self centered but get to know everyone, make connections.
3) People will call you a freshie - get used to it. You'll be confused a lot when others know what’s going on. Ask questions.
- Wendy

-get involved! that's the most important thing. teams, clubs, whatever. Besides that, just wait until gr. 10, because the crappiness of being at the bottom is only for one year during highschool. it gets better.
- Siobhan

don't sit at the very back of the bus the first day, and don’t be scared of the grade 12’s
- Steven

My tip is 2 always be true 2 yourself-no matter what ppl say becuz in the end its your life you're livin.
- Mwanaisha

It's normal to feel like a stranger in a strange place. It will get easier and it might take a few months to fully feel like you belong.
- Corey

most of the seniors aren't mean, so they don't need to be feared.
- Sam

1. Time management is key!
2. Get involved early! (it's fun and it's a great way to meet new people)
3. Be yourself!
4. Take everything in moderation! (that goes for partying, dances, school work, etc.)
5. Create good work habits early because it gets harder to change them as you get older.
- Leigh

Don't take this year for granted! Before long, you'll be bombarded with assignments, tests, university essays and lots of stress (sad but true). So enjoy the freedom you have right now. So, join clubs, teams, make new friends, see old friends, read books, travel, go see movies, go bowling! Make the most of it
- Tara

Entering highschool is a dramatic period of transition in one's life in which you often lose your old friends, make new ones, experiment a great deal with some good, and some not so good ideas, and in the process find out a lot about yourself.

You'll often find yourself in situations where you feel as though there is a lot of pressure on you to act a certain way, and it would seem that most people in grade nine are fairly consumed with the idea of being popular.

If I can tell you anything based on my experiences, it's this: don't take anything in highschool too seriously. At the end of the day it will NOT matter if you were the prom queen or the head of the football team, all that matters is that you are HAPPY with yourself.

You will undoubtedly undergo a great deal of stress, frustration, and quite possibly depression - but just remember, it's all part of growing up, and all of those experiences are there to teach you new lessons that you will be able to appreciate later in life.

So although at times, it will be awesome, there will also be times that highschool really sucks - just try to keep things in perspective, and realize that you are NOT alone. We've all been there. And if it's any consolation to you, I was a total loser in highschool, and now, well -I've managed to merit a great deal of respect for myself within my industry. BUT if it weren't for those negative experiences, as cliche as it sounds, I wouldn't be who I am today.

-Rose Cora Perry, Singer, Songstress, Writer, & Model