My senior year of high school was often a struggle. It’s difficult knowing that your life is changing around you, that in just one year you’ll be in a new place surrounded by new people. And that can take a toll on you. You can lose the sense of what’s important, of what matters. It’s stressful, but it’s worth it. So to the Class of 2017, here is my advice.
This is going to be the last year you can participate in events at high school. So go to as many things as possible no matter how stupid you think they are. For instance, homecoming. I don’t really care about football but I went. I may have gone home during halftime to put on warmer socks and a coat but I went. And even though I didn’t follow the game closely, I remember huddling on the ice-cold metal stands with my friends and having fun. That’s what is important: creating these memories that you’ll look back fondly on.
In addition to going to school events, try a new activity. For the longest time, I restricted myself to athletics. I didn’t really involve myself in my real passion: music. Becoming an officer of my school’s music honor society opened up a new world to me, one where I could hang out all day and play piano, one where I could always find someone willing to sing with me or learn a quartet. I also joined costume crew for my school’s musical, and it was one of the best decisions of my high school career. I met so many new people, some of whom have become my best friends. And it helped me decide what I value, what I want to continue in college, and what I hope to achieve in life.
On the subject of college: You are not going to get into every school you apply to. You may not get into your top choice. You may not get into your second choice. It’s okay. I applied to 12 schools and got into 7 of them. But I didn’t get into any of my top four schools. For two months I was pretty torn. I felt like the only schools I got into I wouldn’t even consider going to. Then I toured Oberlin and fell in love with it. It was the perfect fit for me, and I’m so excited to move in in just under 3 weeks! My point is that it’s okay not to get into your favorite school. And even more importantly, do not feel obligated to go to a school based on reputation. People who only go to schools just to say they went there usually end up transferring or having a terrible time. Let you define you, and go where you’ll be happiest. A great book to read on this subject is Where You Go is not Who You’ll Be by Frank Bruni. This book gave me such a positive outlook on the dreaded May 1 deadline and helped me make the correct decision.
I think this goes without saying, but spend as much time with your friends as possible. Go to the movies. Go get frozen yogurt. Sit on someone’s couch and just talk. Take photos with them. Because chances are, they won’t be with you next year. And that’s going to suck. But as long as you remember all the times you spent with them you’ll be okay. It still hasn’t hit me that my best friends aren’t coming to school with me. I don’t think it will until I move in. But I also know that I have an arsenal of photos that will be going up on my walls and that I’ll see them on breaks. No matter what happens, people always remember at least a few of their high school friends. Strengthen those ties and connect with them to have a great senior year.
And with that, I leave you. Class of 2017, I hope that you have a memorable year and I wish you all the best!
