To be quite honest, looking back on my high school experience, I can truly say they were some of the best four years of my life. Just like any other teen, I took my time spent — in what I thought was a prison — for granted. Senior year was especially tough, however, it was also one of my most memorable years. If I could share any words of wisdom with current high school seniors to better prepare them for what's to come, this is what I'd tell them:
1. Things get better.
Not everyone will have a positive high school experience, and that's OK. Whether going to college is your next step, or traveling, or even having a gap year — things will eventually iron out and make sense. High school isn't always fun. Homework, standardized testing, social hierarchy and other added pressures of life can truly have a negative affect on people. Regardless of your current situation or opinion, I know that with time, you'll bump into that one thing you actually enjoy doing, and the rest will fall into place.
2. You'll grow apart from your high school friends.
This is something I always heard, but never actually believed for myself. However, today I can say that it's very true, and something that's simply unavoidable. When high school is over, everyone embarks their own new journey. People will grow as individuals, they'll start liking new things, and meeting new people. I've learned that growing apart from some of the closest of friends I had in high school is OK. It's natural, and not something to feel guilty about.
3. College life is completely different.
So far, college is looking like it'll be another great four years. The people are different than ones in high school. College isn't about social hierarchy or wearing the latest fashion trends, but more about meeting people who have similar or opposite interests as you, and finally educating yourself on things you're actually passionate about. In college you have to be more independent, and independence can teach you a lot.
4. Responsibilities after high school are greater.
At times, high school seemed like such a nightmare... sleepless nights of studying and small panic attacks over GPAs consumed most of my worries. However, now, I realize that high school life was actually a lot less stressful than what life is now. The work load becomes greater, as well as the expectation to be successful at the things you do.
5. You'll finally find yourself.
After all the changes, and challenges you're bound to run into after high school, just know that it's worth it. Similar to how my sleepless nights of studying seemed terrible at the time, they're actually something I'll always remember. The best thing about graduating isn't the change of environment, but the change that'll happen in you. Yes, life after high school comes with a lot of responsibilities, but those are the very things that'll make you appreciate something like high school.
