Ask a Big Sister: Part 2

don 't be afraid to ask for help

Written by Alice Goncalves

Ask a Big sister Part 2

“I think having a big sister is one of the best things - it' s like having an older friend that gives the best advice. It also helps that I live with them” (Lily Goncalves, my little sister). Having someone in your life you feel comfortable enough to ask questions to is such a valuable thing. A sister is someone you can confide in and someone you can look up to. Unfortunately, there are some people who don 't have this figure in their life. “Ask a Big Sister” , is a safe place for middle schoolers to ask older girls in high school questions they might have about life or their education. Some questions I got were: Q. How do you make good study habits for yourself? A.I found out what helps me best through trial and error. I tried flashcards, notes, and studying with other people. It also helps if you know what type of learner you are. Does it help you to physically hold what you need to study? Do you study best when you are with a group of people or a partner? I have found that the best way for me to study is to make Quizlets and then have my friends or a partner test me. Then when I am alone, I go over the ones I am not confident in until I feel I am ready to be tested again. Q. How do I know what clubs are right for me? A. It' s always a good idea to look further into something that interests you, for example, if the club name has to do with serving others and you know that' s something you enjoy doing, you should absolutely look into clubs that focus on community service. The best way to find out what club is best for you is to talk to friends that are in the club or talk to the club president. Don’t be afraid to ask! You can get information about what the club does, what their goals are, and if it interests you, it won 't hurt to sign up. Signing up for various clubs, especially during your Freshman year of high school allows you to learn new things, have new experiences, and meet new people. The best advice I can give is to try out all of the clubs that interest you and over the years, you will find what you are truly passionate about whether it is what you expected to enjoy or something you never even thought you would grow to love. 14

surround yourself with people who make you a better you

Q.How do I make friends in a new school? A. Something important to remember is to be confident. Most of the people around you are in the same boat, looking for new friends in a new environment. If you are more of an extrovert, going up to people and starting conversations is a great place to start. It only takes a small conversation with someone to form a strong bond, and pretty soon that one person will introduce you to new people. Then, those new people will introduce you to even more people, until you have your own friend group where you feel like you naturally belong. For people who are a little more introverted, joining a sports team is an amazing way to go. Team sports force you to get to know other people better and help for teamwork on and off the court. Basketball, volleyball, football, cheer, and soccer are all sports that involve talking on and off the court or field. You will be able to grow closer to these people through teamwork, victories, and losses.