What I Wish I Knew Before Going Into Secondary School

Reflections from an international school student

As a 14-year-old girl who goes to an international school in Berlin, Germany, there are many struggles I have come to face in school. But in every struggle you may face, there is always something or someone that can help. I have asked a few friends to come up with things we all wished we knew before entering this new phase of our life.

But in every struggle you may face, there is always something or someone that can help.

Here are some of my tips for anyone in primary school.

• Keep your friends close; it is so important to have people who can back you up and make you smile.
  

• Don’t close off from family; go to them if you need help.
  

• Dedicate at least thirty minutes to studying so you don’t fall behind.
  

• If needed, ask for an extension; it's almost always granted!
  

• Ask for help as soon as you fall behind, even if it’s just a bit.
  

• Listen in class so that there is less to catch up on.
  

• Get a good amount of sleep; it improves memory and mood.

• Be nice to everyone around you; teachers love a positive student.

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