Everyone claims that these are the best four years of your life, but you're not so sure. I get it. I was there once. But now, being almost a year removed from high school, I'm reflecting back on those four years, and thinking about the things that I wish someone had told me while I was still there (or the advice I was given that I should have, but never took). So, here it is. Here's the best 8 pieces of advice I could give any high schooler:
1. Do your homework.
You shouldn't (but will) be surprised when you find out that actually doing your homework and keeping up with the assignments your teachers give you will help keep your grade up, even if you're struggling with the material of the class. Trust me, I get it. It's always much easier to copy someone else's homework than it is to do your own. I get that. I'm not telling you not to do that sometimes--when necessary, of course. (I know high school can be hard). But by doing your own homework, it will benefit your grades, your intelligence, and will honestly give you a little self-esteem boost.
2. Keep your grades up.
Do whatever it takes. After school, go to tutoring or extra-help. Ask friends for help. Don't be afraid to ask questions or admit to yourself that you don't understand something. Do your homework (see #1). Study. Trust me when I say that the grades you receive in high school will have a huge affect on the rest of your life. They can determine which colleges you can get into, and how much scholarship money you'll receive to keep you out of debt. College seems far away, but it's not. So work your ass off now. It will pay off in the long-run, I promise.
3. Join clubs, groups, and sports that interest you.
This is not only a fantastic way to immerse yourself into your school's community and make friends who share the same interests as you, these are also college application and resume builders. It doesn't matter what grade you're in, it never ever hurts to be involved.
4. Stop being mean to you peers.
I said it before, and I'll say it again: High school is only four short years. And while, right now, that may seem like all of the time in the world, I promise you, it's not. You may think that it makes you "cool" to pick on other people or talk bad behind other people's backs, or you may think it helps you fit in to label that girl as a "slut," or that boy as -ahem- a "fuck boy," or you may think it's funny to snicker when the smart kid in class stands up to present his project, but the truth is, all of those little things you think are harmless aren't. Little things like that can have affect on those people for the rest of their lives. Don't negatively impact someone's life in a short four years. Let people be themselves. Just focus on yourself; they'll be better off, and so will you.
5. Go to as many games or other events as you can.
It doesn't matter what sport it is or if it is played by boys or girls. It doesn't matter if it is a choir concert or a school production. GO. There's nothing more fun than watching your team play or seeing your peers do what they love. Deck yourself out in your school's colors and be a part of the student section. Sit center stage at a production. Not only will you have a blast supporting your school, but your peers will appreciate it, too. And don't forget to go to prom! It feels so good to dress up nice and feel extra good about yourself. Have fun.
6. Build relationships with your teachers.
Your teachers have already been through high school AND college, and have more life experience than you. Listen to their life stories, get to know them, take their advice. They have way more to offer you than in-class lessons. Plus, being friendly with your teachers makes walking down the hallway to your other classes that much more enjoyable.
7. Have school pride.
Love the place you're in. I know school sucks and what not, but it's a part of who you are. Show your pride in where you come from. Root on your peers. Wear your school's colors. Learn to love the sound of lockers slamming and the way the classrooms smell. High school will be so much better when you not only accept your school, but love it, too.
8. Enjoy yourself.
If your don't follow any of the other advice here, at least follow this piece. High school is the best four years of your life. (Do you think I've said that enough?) The absolute best piece of advice I can give you is to just enjoy it. You will never be this young and careless ever again. You will never have the same bonds with the friends you do now ever again. Do absolutely whatever it takes for you to make high school exactly what everyone cracks it up to be. Have fun.
