If I could go back in time four years ago, I would. There are so many experiences my classmates and I went through since we were freshmen in high school. Although there's still some time before I find Hermione's time turner and warn my friends and myself, it's important for me to remember the lessons I learned since they impact so many aspects of my life.
Here are the top seven things high school taught us:
1. How to be a zombie.
Now, high school isn't easy. On an average night, I spent six and a half hours of homework. I rarely slept for seven hours on a school night. This is the same for thousands of kids across the nation. I've learned to somehow function and thrive on this schedule. Now that it's summer vacation, I realize that high school students are superheroes.
2. Procrastination is an everlasting bug bite.
C'mon. How difficult is it not to get distracted? We live in an awesome world of Facebook, Instagram, the Odyssey, iMessage and ...YouTube.
We've got to learn how to surf the web AND get our work done.
3. There's more to school than the first six hours.
After the first six hours of the day, hundreds of kids may pour out of the school. That doesn't mean the day is over. The school is still alive with activity. The halls are filled with people running to hang out with their friends. The classrooms are filled with activities and club meetings. You can hear music from the piano in the chorus room as kids and teachers are preparing for theater and music rehearsals. Kids are tutoring their peers. Kids are gearing up for sports practices. Kids are painting hallway walls and creating wonders of art.
4. Stereotypes can be misleading.
Please watch "High School Musical."
It's impossible to put people in categories and assume you understand their personalities. You'll understand that people can't be judged based on their appearances or skills. That super sweet, smart girls can be amazing football players. That the jock can be the smartest person in math class. That the nerdy kid can be the biggest bully. That the shy girl can be a Broadway star. That behind the smile, your classmate may be having the worst day of his or her life.
5. The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.
You will learn a lot cool things in school. I learned so many new things in my physics class that helped me and my partners launch a ball to hit a target. I can't believe how excited I was about kinematics!
I learned about English language and culture and how people can communicate in so many different ways. From speeches to propaganda posters to personal stories, there was so much rhetoric that helped me uncover new layers of the initial message. I feel like a detective.
In my APUSH class, student council and speech and debate class, I learned how the power of my voice can bring change and inspire others to take positive actions. Oh, and that President Taft got stuck in a bathtub.
6. Don't be afraid to try new things.
It's OK to try new clubs, activities and sports in high school. You never know what you're good at unless you try it. Think about it. You may be a great violin player even though you may think it looks nerdy. You can try out for that solo in class even though you may not receive it.
7. Keep your head up and be optimistic.
High school is a jungle and a maze, and there is no way to escape without getting scratched. You will not receive all 100s, and your GPA may not look decent at times. You may not make the sports team. You may not always have the best relationship with everyone. You may be dealing with matters at home that influence your four years of high school.
Whatever it is, please try to think positively and try your best for whatever you do. Life will get better, so try to push yourself through the hard times. Try to still be kind to others.
On your graduation day, you'll forget about the pain, and you'll be able to reflect on what you did and how you handled yourself. You'll feel pride and happiness spreading through your veins.
Congratulations class of 2016! We did it!
