Beep, beep, beep! Your alarm goes off early in the morning... too early. You barely slept all night because you were so anxious for today and now it's here - the first day of school. It's a little nerve-racking, getting back into the swing of things, so here's my advice on how to make the best of a new year.

Feeling jittery? Everyone gets nervous knowing that they will be meeting new people, learning new things, or making new friends, but after the first few weeks you will relax. Just hold in there through the lectures about what you will be covering in your courses and take everything in. There is always lunch where you can catch up with your friends! Also, soon homecoming will come and you will have a week to chill out and by then you will be starting to learn instead of just listening.

First impressions are always important, so when meeting new teachers, look them in the eyes and give off your best "I'm not afraid" vibe. Your new classes will seem so much easier if you make nice with the people teaching them. This also goes for mingling with classmates. If you end up having a class without your BFF and your clique, try to be as friendly as possible and show them that you can actually have fun in your least favorite class. I actually had my scheduled changed last year because I wasn't ready to step out and meet people too far out of my bubble. Offer to study with them and make plans after school or meet in the library; maybe you will discover that the girl who you heard was a weirdo is really sweet and even make a new BFF!

A new school year can be a blank canvas, so experiment with your look. Get a new haircut, try different makeup, and put a twist on your wardrobe. When shopping go for things that would normally be out of your comfort zone. Used to jeans? Try a cute denim skirt with leggings. Only wear graphic tees? Try on that babydoll top you have been eyeing up!

With a new year comes new chances for you to do better in your classes, make new friends, and make a statement with your style. Step out of your comfort zone, even it is into an awkward situation, because doing so could help improve your grades, find new BFFs, and even boost your confidence. Those few awkward moments are a small price to pay for a year worth remembering.