High School is a whirlwind of emotions and growth. Graduating made me a lot, giving me a different perspective on High School and how to make the most of those 4 short years. Personally, I hated High School. There, I said it. High School itself, was never my friend. My school was competitive, full of large egos with little to show for them, and had a false idea of 'success'. I was never a 4.0 student, I never had straight A's, and I was never what would be considered "popular" (if that even is a real thing... which I don't think it is personally because popularity, whatever that may be, is relative). Each year of High School taught me something different, and for those of you in High School, I hope if anything you take some of this to heart and keep it in your mind as you make your way to that diploma.
Freshman: It's scary going to a new school, being the underdog, and getting lost on the seemingly huge campus. I remember my first day of freshman year, it was my first class of the day and didn't realize till a few minutes in that I was sitting in a Spanish 3 class (when I was supposed to be in Spanish 1), I finally got the hint once I realized that 10 minutes in she was still speaking Spanish. I just stayed put the rest of the period and avoided any and all eye contact with the teacher. It was terrible. Anyways, please don't stress, as this is the easiest year academically and you'll miss it more than you think. However, don't let your grades suffer, you'll thank yourself later when you see your cumulative GPA.
Sophomores: This is a weird year, you are not a freshman but not quite an upperclassmen. This year is the most simple year, mostly, just do your work, get the grades, and have fun while you are at it. Don't take life too seriously.
Juniors: Academically, this year kills you. Colleges look at this year the most, and it is important to get the grades. It's stressful taking ACT or SAT, AP's, constantly being asked your plans for the future, and going on those college tours. Don't push yourself too hard, ultimately you will end up where you are meant to be, and it's not worth it to be consumed by panic attacks and sleepless nights. I understand that going to an Ivy is some people's dreams, or going to a competitive school is important to many. But if you are one of those students who doesn't easily get A's or struggles through classes, please don't push yourself into having a 4.6 GPA and expect to go to the most prestigious of schools, you will never be happy there. It's about going to a school that matches you and the qualities you are looking for in a school, not pushing yourself into an insane school and spending another 4 years stressing out and being made to feel like you aren't good enough in comparison to your peers. There are those students who don't study and get A's or the students who pick up things right away, and that's good for them. But if you are not one of them, it's hard on your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Nothing is more important than being happy and healthy. I'm not saying to give up or not push yourself, always push yourself and try your best. But ultimately, chasing those prestigious schools and pushing yourself to your wits end, will ruin you.
Seniors: You made it! Now it's time to fill out those applications, write those essays, and apply for scholarships. Spend time to reflect, make memories and find who you want to be. Don't be that guy who flunks out his senior year, or the one who gets rescinded because they didn't try second semester. Once you pick the schools you want to apply to and find your dream school, accept that rejection happens and just because one school doesn't accept you and fails to see the good qualities you possess, doesn't have anything to do with you as an individual, and it's just a sign that you were not meant to go there. Once the letters are done coming in, take time to weigh your options. Think about what you want to get out of your education. Personally, I am not going to a very "prestigious" school, I actually only applied to this school because I figured I would easily get in and It was a free application. After looking at my options, I chose a school that I genuinely know I will be happy at, that I love, and a school that I know cares about my success as an individual. After visiting and falling absolutely in love, I wouldn't pick any other school and there are not any other options that I would ever want to consider. It's not always about where the degree comes from, it's what you do with that degree and how you chose to take advantage of your education. Cherish every moment, and become excited for what the future holds.
