As thousands of high school seniors graduated this spring, I think that reflecting on four years of hard work is important. My freshman year, I was new to the school I was going to, living in the dorms and had the worst haircut known to man. I was dead set on growing up to be a nuclear engineer, but I ended up being so wrong about what my high school career would entail. If I could write a letter to myself it would say this:
Charlie,
First and foremost, everything turns out better than those sleepless nights told us it would. Even though we go on to participate in several groups on campus, do a lot for Cranbrook, and make a bunch of amazing friends, there are some things we could do better to improve the next four years.
Second, open your mind to new ideas, especially when it comes to college. I know you want to go to MIT or some other good engineering school, but you should take a breather and evaluate yourself. After arguing with mom and dad about what major you should pursue, it would be better if you thought about it sooner rather than later. Also, it would save us from a summer of chemistry classes.
The only person that determines what you want to study and where you apply is you, so think about you and what you want. Math and science ends up not being our thing, but you find a passion for a field that gives you a feeling of satisfaction and impact.
Third, do not be afraid to socialize. The guys in the dorm you are too nervous or afraid to talk to are going to become some of your best friends, so there is no point in waiting to make friends later in the school year. You will go on to have movie nights, trips out to dinner and the mall filled with laughter. You also do not want to miss out on the moments you have with friends from in and outside of the dorm that make your heart feel full and help you know you are in the right place.
Fourth, remember it's high school, so live a lot, not just a little. Being high strung and serious all the time because you had to keep your college resume in mind ended up serving you very little and you missed out on some good fun. Also, learn to play FIFA because we sucked at it and how to play soccer for that matter.
Fifth, take better care of your mental health. The stress and anxiety is not worth it and it gets you nowhere except deeper into the rabbit hole. As I said before, the sleepless nights staring at the ceiling worrying about college, the future, friends, what someone thinks of you or who you are going to ask to prom is not helpful. A good jog once or twice a week to clear your mind would have helped out with more than just your mental health too.
Lastly, change the haircut, we both know it's bad, and be ready for a great four years.
Sincerely,
A More Than Satisfied High School Graduate
