I recently (well I guess it isn't recent anymore) graduated high school in June of 2015, and there are things high school taught me that I will remember for the rest of my life. I still have friends that are currently in high school and their graduation this year is vastly approaching. There are some high school memories that will never be forgotten just because this is where a lot of us had a lot of "first times." You meet your best friends, you might have a first love, or even meet your soulmate, you get your license, and you turn 18 (woah, you can buy cigarettes and lottery tickets). The top five things I that high school taught me, and what I learned in my first year of college.
1. Your Friends
Okay, for the moment of truth, once you graduate there are some people that you will never talk to again. It might seem really sad/scary to think about now, but once you get to college you make new ones, and even though you won't forget some of your high school friends, you don't mind that you don't keep in touch as much. Now, your true friends, will stay with you. I have some main people that I will never give up, and in 20 years when I get married I will be sending them bridesmaid's cards. You will never forget the late night parties, prom adventures, and going to Friday night football games. You'll miss the easy days of senior year, and all fun you had together. It is okay to lose touch with some of your high school friends, but your true ones will always remain at your side.
2. Early Mornings
Now, you think once you get to college you get to pick your own schedule, maybe get a little bit more sleep; but some of you will have those dreadful 8 a.m's. I seriously thought that I can handle a college 8 a.m. because come on, we had to be at school at 8 a.m for like the past 12 years. I was wrong. Get used to this, you will have a lot of wrongs in college. Having a 8 a.m in college is totally different then getting ready for high school. Most of us roll our of bed at the last possiable moment and go to class. But hey, at least we made it to class. Moral of this story, getting up early in college is very hard.
3. Teachers in High School
I was extraordinary lucky in high school, I had some of the best teachers around. The passion they had for teaching, and the fact that they loved the students made learning a little bit better. The teachers who always made learning fun, and students actually learned something that they won't forget the minute they leave the classroom. The teachers that continue to change lives, and watch students grow in their learning. If you have a teacher like that in your life, keep in touch with them! They will always help you, even when you're in college. I had several at my high school that would do anything for their students currently and previously. Also don't get scared there are professors like this as well.
4. Friday Night Football
It's Friday Night, you get home from school with your friends and you rush to get ready for the Varsity Football Game that night. You have to dress to impress for the student section will probably be packed, so how will you stand out? Also, you might want to get there a little early so you can get a front seat in the student section. Anyone, who was in high school knows exactly what I am talking about. The Friday Night Games with the students sections are something we will never forget. I think it's a part of what makes high school, high school. It is the thing to do on a Friday Night. Leaving Behind something like this is scary some people won't have this in college, and some people will go to a large University that will makes student sections in high school, look so lame. To the ones that are going to college without a student section, it is okay! Yes, you will miss this part of high school and these memories, but you will make new ones! (I know I can say that easier, but just watch in a year, you'll be saying these things) Screaming in your "Blackout" Wear with all your friends, and people that you might not even talk to just to cheer on your football team, on a Friday Night.
5. Extra Activities
Most students in high school participate in something like a sport, choir, marching band, Clubs, etc. Those are the things in high school that you as a person will never forget. I was in all the music classes; advanced choirs, musical, and I even played a sport for my first two years. The things I learned from these activities, I will take away from for the rest of my life. When your on a sports team, or marching on a field you build a family. You will take characteristics from these things that make you who you are. When it becomes your senior night, you finally realize that it might be the last time your playing, or singing but you're going to college. One thing I learned in college is "never give up" you may have heard that all your life, but don't give up these things. There is always club sports, coaching opportunities, and singing in the choir while studying something different.
There are some things that High School Taught me that I will never forget. I will always remember to have fun, work hard, and never give up on my dreams and passions. No one should, ConGRADulations to the class of 2016 and good luck in your life, for whatever you may chose to do.
