Introduction
High school is one of those moments where you feel as though you have so much time left…until you are getting ready to graduate and realize it went by in the blink of an eye. I am beginning to realize this now as I prepare to finish my last year of high school. It may sound cliche, but it feels like yesterday that I graduated 8th grade and felt so many nerves about going to high school. Over the past four years I have learned a lot about school, friends, classes, and growing up so I want to share that with you, the incoming freshman who may be nervous for what is to come.
My Advice to You
1) Stay in the present and enjoy now
My biggest tip for any student in high school is to make the most of now and enjoy each day. It can be an effortless task to always wish for what’s to come – whether it be the next day off of school, summer, or the weekend. But by doing this, you will miss a lot of great things that happen even on the “boring” days. Some of my favorite memories from school are the ones that took place on regular school days: the friends I made in classes, the stories we told at lunch, and even the fun assignments I worked on. For me, and for many others, I wasn’t always a fan of every class I took, but I came to realize how fortunate I was just to have time to spend with my friends. So, my advice to you is to enjoy each day and do not rush the present.
2) Always try your best
Something that stuck with me through high school was my parents’ message of always trying your best. Over the past few years, I have taken many AP, IB, and honors classes and my biggest piece of advice for any student doing the same is to study and try your hardest! High school classes can be overwhelming, but as long as you try your best and stay focused on your goals, you will see improvement over time.
3) Try new things
When you first get to high school, it may seem overwhelming that everyone else has already found what they like to do, but the only way to figure out what you enjoy is to try new things! After playing tennis for a short time in middle school, I joined the varsity team my freshman year of high school. Looking back now, the tennis team has become such a large part of my life, and I truly cannot imagine my high school experience without it. Clubs and sports teams are a great way to meet new people who have the same interests as you. Trying new things both in and outside of school may also help you to learn what you want to pursue after high school. Joining the math honor society and working with younger students has helped me to realize my love for teaching, which I am excited to continue when I graduate.
4) Time management and organization
Time management and organization is truly an amazing skill to develop at a young age. It will help you stay on track in school and will be used even after you graduate. Being able to manage your time wisely will help you both academically and socially, so that you can enjoy other things outside of school. My advice to you is to learn these skills when you first come into high school so that you can thrive as the workload gets more challenging over the years. These skills are something that will not go away after high school, regardless of the profession or career you choose to pursue.
5) Don’t compare yourself to others
Lastly, a piece of advice I would give is don’t compare yourself to those around you. Everyone is going through something different, and they may not share what that is. Each person has their own timeline and it is important to focus on your own. While it is beneficial to communicate with those around you, make sure to choose what is right for you, whether it be classes, clubs or sports. In high school, it can feel as though everyone else has things figured out before you, but this is not always true. You may not see it on the surface, but everyone has their own struggles which cannot be compared. Focus on your own path and celebrate how far you have come!
Final Thoughts
As a senior looking back, I truly believe that everyone is learning as they go and you are not alone! High school can be an amazing experience if you try new things and always do your best. Make sure to ask questions, make mistakes, and focus on growing. The next four years really will go by faster than you can imagine. I wish you all the best of luck and remember you are exactly where you need to be!
