As a recent graduate, I've come to the realization that I learned more in the few weeks after my graduation than I did in my last year of high school. I didn't learn more in subjects like science or math. I learned what I should have done during high school and what inevitably follows you after throwing your cap in the air. Here are a few things I've learned after school and some words of advice for those of you about to take on your final year:
1. Some friendships don't make it past graduation day.
Not every friendship you make in high school will follow you after graduation. Sure, you may have sat with that girl at lunch, had a few classes together, and kept each other up to date on the latest gossip, but more likely than not you won't talk to her again after you throw that graduation cap in the air. That's okay though; the people meant to stay in your life will stay. Others are just around for seasons.
2. Go to EVERY sporting event you can.
One day you'll wish you wouldn't have stayed home for that playoff game. It may seem stupid now, but really those football fields and basketball gyms will hold some of your greatest memories when you look back down the road. Don't pass up those memories.
3. Thank your teachers - even for the bad grades.
You don't grow if you aren't pushed. Teachers that grade tough are the best teachers. If you're constantly given A's for poor work, you won't succeed in the future. Thank your teachers for pushing you to do better and for grading you like they should.
4. Get involved.
Whether you want to play a sport, run for office, or just join a fun club, do it. Getting involved looks amazing on college resumes. Plus, it's fun and entertaining to get involved with something new. Don't be afraid to dive in head first.
5. You will stress out.
Sorry to break it to you, but senior year was not the easiest year. You have dues to pay, tests to pass, and a bunch of others things to get done just so you can graduate. Don't slack up. Do your best to work through your stress. Study hard and get good grades, because they really do matter in the grand scheme of things.
6. Apply for scholarships early and all throughout the year.
The earlier you apply, the better your chances are of receiving a scholarship. The more you apply, the more you can win. Take it from a girl that got her entire college paid for by scholarships, APPLY. The hard work you put in to applying will pay off when you don't have to pay as much or any for college.
7. Don't hold grudges.
Seriously though, I held grudges, and looking back it was stupid. None of those petty arguments matter now. So what if that person called you ugly or made up some rumor? As long as you and God are cool, don't worry about what someone says about you out of hatred or jealousy. The people who are meant to stick around will. Let go of the ones who mean nothing to you.
8. Talk to people even if they aren't "cool."
Nobody likes the mean kids, even if they are the most popular ones. Be nice to everyone around you. Sit at lunch with the lonely kid. Smile in the hallway. You never know how your one act of kindness could change a person's day. Don't be the reason someone goes home feeling worthless.
9. Be nice to your family.
Like I said before, not all your friendships will last, but your family will always be there. Don't get too high and mighty to hang out with your family on the weekends instead of going to some party. You may not always get along, but you'll be thankful for them one day and the time you spent together. You won't see them as much because life after high school gets crazy busy.
10. Make the most out of your senior year.
Have fun, be nice, get involved, and cheer on your team. Most of all, don't have any regrets when graduation day comes. Because once you throw that cap in the air, there's no turning back.