1. Finding your passion.

High school is a time where you'll find out what you really love learning about. You'll have to take some of classes that don't interest you, but they all help you to determine what you're passionate about in life.

2. Actually learning.

The person with straight A's isn't necessarily the one who learns the most. It is so much more important to try to understand the information you're being taught instead of focusing on memorizing a stream of facts.

3. Your health.

It is no easy task to balance classes and your mental and physical health when you're striving for perfection. Instead, set limits for yourself and never forget that no amount of success counts if you run yourself into the ground in the process.

4. Learning to be a good friend.

Though not all high school friendships last forever, they can teach you a lot about being a good friend. Learn how to be reliable, supportive and kind.

5. Learning resilience.

Chances are that the challenges you'll face in high school won't be the biggest ones of your life. So, take this time to learn to bounce back. FAILURE ISN'T FINAL!!

6. Finding a athletic outlet.

This is the time when you need to set healthy habits for yourself that you'll stick to the rest of your life. Not to mention that having a physical activity that you enjoy is so important for your health!

7. Finding an creative outlet.

Again, this will set the pace for a healthy life and keep yourself well rounded. Whether it's painting, singing, dancing, or even just doodling in your notebook, it's important to let your creative side go!

8. Spending time with your family.

There probably won't be another time in your life that you'll be living in the same house with your family, so enjoy it! Make time for your parents and siblings, you will never regret that.

9. Learning practical skills.

Knowing that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell will do NOTHING for you when you're hungry and don't know how to make a grilled cheese, or when your car breaks down and you're stranded. Learning life skills is so much more important than having perfect grades, and you'll thank yourself later in life when you're #adulting like a pro!

10. HAPPINESS.

Success is awesome, and academic success can make us feel really accomplished. However-your 4.0 means nothing if you didn't enjoy the process, learn from your failures, and find joy in the midst of it all!

Go get 'em this year!