High school is either a good or bad experience for most. For me high school has been pretty ok. Nothing too exciting and nothing too terrible. I have learned a lot these past four years and sometimes I wish I could go back and do high school over. Sadly, I can't do that so I decided to share my advice with all of you first timers or really anyone in high school. One of the most important things that I have learned about being in high school is you need to get involved.

I know that everyone says it but it is so true. Find something you love and join. Whether it be sports medicine, volleyball, yearbook or chess club. Find something you are interested in and do it. The more things you are involved in the better. It really helps your social skills and you make a whole bunch of friends from different backgrounds.

I wish I would have known that your friends change A LOT in high school. You tend to have one or two friends that will always be there. But the rest of your middle school group will not stay friends. Don't take it too hard when your friends move on or when you feel like you need to move on. Peoples interest change and that's part of growing up. Another thing I learned in high school is you need to take pictures and videos. Make memories with your friends and document them. I regret not taking more goofy photos and videos with my friends because you never know when you might loose them.

This next piece of advice is hard to stick by but it is so important. Do not procrastinate and stay organized. As you get busier and homework begins to pile up you may feel as though everything is caving in on you. If you stay organized and keep a planner it becomes much easier to budget your time and get things done. Procrastination is never good so just try your hardest not to put things off. If you are given the opportunity to do running start please do it. College is expensive and through running start you get cheap or free credits. It speeds up the college process. It really is so worth it. My final and most important piece of advice is high school isn't supposed to be the best time of your life. You are going to struggle and there are going to be people who try to bring you down. But just remember to try your hardest and have the most fun possible. Have a good four years!