Congratulations you made it through your first year of high school. While each year has its own challenges, sophomore year can be tricky to navigate. You spent your freshman year adjusting – making friends, losing friends, getting lost in the halls of North, and just figuring out how to “do high school.”

But now you’re going to realize you still have quite a ways to go. So here’s my advice:

First, do your homework. That sounds like common sense, right? Well, it is, but it’s also incredibly easy to ignore. Most people have found that sophomore year’s classes were probably the easiest of the years, but that the homework was the most intense. Drowning in classwork will weigh on you and burn you out.

Second, find a routine that involves your work and stick to it. Do not wait until your junior year to start actively taking charge of your academics; get ahead of the curve and your future college applications will thank you dearly.

Third, get involved in extracurriculars. Colleges look for well-rounded students, and those that show dedication to their communities are well-rounded. Find something that drives your passion and that you want to excel at.

You’re going to have an absolutely fantastic year, so go out and have fun!

Counselor Advice – Kurt Laughman

Kurt Laughman is the sophomore counselor and FHN baseball coach.

“I want them to start exploring career options and start narrowing them down to see what job or career will make them most happy,” Laughman said.