TO THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants." - Deuteronomy 32:2

Dear freshmen,

As a new semester quickly approaches, I felt that it was the right time for a letter to you guys.

High school. It's one of the biggest things in your life, but also one of the scariest. You're wracked with nerves, and you have all of these "what-if"s floating through your head. You're worried about finding your classes and making friends and where you'll sit at lunch and what clubs you'll join.

I remember my first day of high school. I had worn my favorite outfit at the time: a white tank top with a kimono, jean shorts, and gold sandals. I was so nervous, I couldn't even eat my breakfast. (That was a terrible decision; lunch wasn't until 11:55.) My hands were shaking as I took my first few steps as a freshman in my new high school.

But in the end, it wasn't even that big of a deal. My friends had already texted me and told me where they were sitting, and I had my first period class with them as well. The day went on fine, and I realized that high school was fine after all.

Read my list of school essentials here.

High school is a maze that you're stuck in for approximately four years until you find your way out as a senior. However, it doesn't have to be terrifying. Yes, you'll fail some tests and you'll get some B's. (11/22/16 update: I just made a 23 on a math quiz and I'm not even mad.) But just because that one sixty on your quiz in your history class dropped your grade by three points or so, it doesn't mean that you're going to fail the ninth grade.

Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

Christ is always by your side, no matter what grade you're in or what classes you're taking. You'll feel nervous at times, and you'll have to pull an all-nighter sometimes to study for your exams. But that's okay.

Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Phillipians 4:6-7 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Stay strong. Even when you feel like giving up or when you think high school is going to break you, don't lose hope. The school year - and high school as a whole - flies by so much quicker than you think, and it's gone so soon. Make the most of the time you have now, because trust me. College is a lot harder.

With love,

Mckenzie

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/search/photos/notebook?photo=M1qSY_IuF4c

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