I would tell newcomers: Don't be afraid to ask for help. I've seen too many people (especially new graduates) struggling for what turned out to be days because they wouldn't ask somebody to help them. They are trained for 16+ years to "do their own work". Or even us older folks that don't want to appear dumb (I include myself). I realize it's hard sometimes to admit, but we don't know everything, and we have a job to do. If we can save some hours by asking somebody else a question, well, let's just swallow our ego and ask.

Now, how you tell this to 12 year olds, in front of their teacher, that's a different problem.

Cheers,

Tom