Whether you're going into high school, in high school, or graduated - it doesn't matter. We've all heard the saying, "high school is the best four years of your life. Enjoy it!" And, whenever you hear that, you probably think it's such a lie. I know I did! I always thought, "heck no, once I graduate from this place and I'm taking classes towards MY chosen major, and I'm not around all these people every day, my life will be a whole lot easier." BOY WAS I WRONG. If I knew what I know now, I would go back and redo it in a heartbeat. So, I'm going to tell you a few of the things I wish I would have known and done while I was in school, and maybe you'll think of them when you're walking the halls.
1. Don't be shy.
Be yourself! Walk around on the first day and introduce yourself to the people you've never met before. Let them know who you are, who knows - you may be best friends before the year is over.
2. Make as many friends as possible.
My friends were the reason I woke up every day looking forward to school. Walking through the halls with people smiling and saying "hey!" to you makes the day so much easier! Stride out of your comfort zone and meet all kinds of new people from different "cliques." Laugh with as many people as possible, you never know how much that means to them.
3. Get involved.
For me, playing softball led me to meet my forever best friends. I made memories every day at practice and/or games. It doesn't even have to be sports! It could be math club, choir, anything! You are going to be surrounded by people with the same interests as you - leading to great friendships.
4. Go to the football games.
You don't even need to be a fan (God knows I wasn't), but getting decked out in your school colors and sitting in the student section doing the cheers and laughing with all of your friends makes one heck of a good time and memory. BUT, it's not just the football games - go to them all! Whether it's basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, tennis, track - It doesn't matter! They're all great to go to. Go to every one you can and I promise you, you won't regret it.
5. Go to Prom!
I get it! Dances aren't your thing. But, let me tell you, prom is something you will never forget! Make a big promposal (and maybe embarrass yourself in the process, who cares - she'll love it). Go with your best friends, and dance so much that your feet are blistered by the end of the night. You'll remember it for the rest of your life!
6. At graduation, take pictures with your family.
Your family and friends are your number one supporters which usually don't get told "thank you" enough. On graduation day, they are going to have all kinds of mixed emotions and you need to hug them tight and tell them you're thankful for their support during the last four years of your life. Also, take pictures with everyone who ever made a lasting impression on your life or changed you as a person. Give as many classmates as possible a hug and wish them the best in life. You may not see them again for years; some you may never see again. Tell the people that have supported you that you love them and that you're thankful they came to watch you walk across the stage to get your diploma. High school only lasts four years - family lasts forever.
High school really is over with in the blink of an eye, make the most of it. Laugh as much as possible, make mistakes, learn from them, go out with friends, date that girl/boy that sits across from you in class that you can't stop thinking about, and enjoy these four years as they will be the best four of your life. High school is going to change you - make sure it's for the better.
