HIGH LIFE: A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Words of Wisdom for the New Kids

September appeared to be many days of sunshine away, but before we could say, “Surf’s up!” summer vacation has come to a close.

For most students, the first month of school usually flies by with talk of who’s seeing whom, who has what class, who is doing what for homecoming, and other basic extracurricular school business.

But it’s always just a little more difficult for incoming freshmen and transfer students to get with the beat and to fit in with the crowd. In fact, it’s often quite difficult to adapt to a new environment.

Hot Topics wonders: “What advice do you have for students new to your school?”

“Watch out for football players.”

Steve Ford, 15,

sophomore, Brea-Olinda

“Be nice to freshmen.”

Rick Taylor, 15,

sophomore, Brea-Olinda

“Have fun now. . . . It’ll go by before you know it.”

Keri Bogdanovich, 17,

senior, Cypress

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t mess with any seniors, and never, never park in senior parking if you’re not a senior. Oh, yeah, and avoid cafeteria food.”

Alice Ho, 17,

senior, Cypress

“Be friendly to other students.”

Bryan Pray, 17,

senior, El Dorado

“Don’t make anyone angry, and don’t park on the street (in front of the school) on the first and third Thursdays of each month because that’s when they sweep and you’ll get a ticket.”

Kathy Davy, 16,

senior, Fountain Valley

“Don’t bother fighting the administration by yourself. Get your mom and dad to fight them for you.”

Raeleen Endo, 17,

senior, Fountain Valley

“To be active and get involved in sports and clubs because, otherwise, school will be boring.”

David Prior, 16,

junior, Fountain Valley

“Get involved. Maybe even start a club on campus.”

Michelle Thomas, 16,

senior, Fountain Valley

“Find out what teachers to get, because some teachers don’t teach.”

Cynthia Tovar, 17,

senior, Fountain Valley

“Find one close friend who’s involved in things, and that way you will make more friends.”

Courtney Polsley, 15,

sophomore, Fullerton

“Keep active in school, keep in the right group and study hard. (Doing these things) will get you wherever you want.”

Amy Martin, 17,

senior, Irvine

“Hook onto someone in ASB (student government), because they’re always peppy and they can show you around.”

Andrea Coleman, 16,

junior, Katella

“Stay out of the seniors’ way, and don’t get beaten up.”

Buddy Fitzgerald, 16,

senior, Katella

“Surf, skate and wear Oakleys, and you’ll be fine.”

Tom LaHood, 16,

and David Lucas, 17,

juniors, Katella

“Stay away from the football players.”

Dan Shackleton, 15,

sophomore, La Quinta

“Join band, because we need more people to play.”

Chris Yates, 15,

sophomore, La Quinta

“Get involved in school activities because it’ll make school more fun.”

Jack Chen, 15,

junior, Savanna

“Join sports. It’s a good way to make new friends because it’s a tight union.”

Chad Brasington, 16,

junior, Troy

“Get involved, but be careful not to get bogged down.”

Stacey Schoen, 16,

senior, Troy

“Stay away from things and people who can mess you up for the rest of your life--things like drugs, alcohol and gangs.”

Cheryl Ford, 17,

senior, Villa Park

Next Week’s Hot Topic:

Should a girl be permitted to try out for a boys’ athletic team at school if she has the ability? Why or why not?