about me: i'm haenah, i'm going into 8th grade this year (2023-2024) and i'm going to be your older sister, kind of online advisor through out this project. <3 sections: so this entire advise column and tips column will have different sections : - social life ( friends , relationships family, clubs etc.) -balance ( how to manage your time) -academics -stationary -different student types -different teacher types -questions (leave in proj comments please) -your experience (leave in proj comments please) -suggestions (leave in proj comments please) let's get into itt : ⚞ social life ⚟ ⚞⚟ -make sure you have a good balance so that you don't end up destroying your social life with just school, don't get me wrong but you're social life is just as important as you academic life and school. you want to have the right balance so that you can actually wake up everyday looking forward to both school, and your life. at the same time please don't prioritize it too much and become too socially focused till the point that your grades start dipping. trust me middle school popularity is nothing... -also like dont go into middle school excited to find a bf/gf (relationship) bc like at the end of the day, its school and most middle schoolers are not worth that kind of time and energy... (from experience) -if you have a hard time finding people to become friends with who also have similar interests or views as you you may want to join a club. clubs are great places for you to hang out with like minded people, and a great place for making new friends and strengthening old ones. - if people are spreading rumors or gossip about you, the best thing to do would be to talk to your school counselor, even if the gossip and rumors were true, this is not okay and its a from of bullying / teasing and you should definitely report it. ⚞academics⚟ - maintain your grades by studying before tests and completing all of your homework and study packets/ resources -even if your homework is not graded, it is most likely what will be on your test so make sure to pay attention in class -although sometimes we all have those days when we cant pay attention in class no matter what, it is probably for the best to tell a friend or multiple who can tell you anything that you missed. - make eye contact with your teacher, this is one way to let them know you're interest in what they're trying to teach you , you're paying attention, and it also just respectful. ⚞ stationary ⚟ important!! >> supplies that most middle school teacher's require: -highlighters of different colors usually 3 or 4 maybe 2? -working pencil ( mechanical or not depends on teacher) -lead (if mechanical, sharpener otherwise) -eraser which actually works. -ruler (six inch usually) -whiteout ( if u use pen a lot to take notes like me <3) - different colored pens ( u can also get one of those pens which has all 3 colored inks in one (idk what its called :,] )) - post it notes ( for those quick notes, remideres or times you need a book mark.) -scissors ( u can find mini ones in min-so or daiso) -glue or tape. ( try to get mini tape.) -mini journal. ( helps you write down notes quickly and all in one place unlike post its ) bc it's my favorite way.. reminder >> make sure to clean out your pencil case and take out extra supplies or scraps of paper, eraser crumbs, broken stationary, or even notes that u passed from like 6 months ago. never over load your pencil case! most the time ( at kleast with me) you dont need everything in there, so it's better to keep at home. clean your pencil case! i can't stress this enough. it has been proiven pychologically that something clean helps us work better. so a pencil case with random pen stains, pencil marks, doodles and mystery stains probably isnt the best to help you focius while taking notes nd do well in school. (work in prog)