High School Seniors,
Congratulations. You have finally made it to the end of the first chapter in your life. Know that everyone around you is incredibly proud of this accomplishment, as it is in fact a HUGE accomplishment. Wherever the next part of your life takes you, follow your heart. High school was easy compared to what comes next. To try and make the transition easier for you, I want to offer advice coming from the High School Class of 2015, to you the Class of 2016.
1. “Don't expect to hold on to all of your friendship anymore.” – Plamedi Makelela (Northeastern University ’19)
Unfortunately, you will not be surrounded by your high school friends every day anymore. Unfortunately, you will begin to grow apart from one another. However, this is not always a bad thing. They say that you make good friends in high school, but you make your best friends in college and later in life. It may not be fun growing apart from your friends at home, but it may be worth it in the long run.
2. “It takes time to develop your friendships in college, you can't expect to meet the equivalent of your high school best friend within the first few weeks, but you do get to meet your college best friends which is a whole different adventure.” – Jemina Shepherd (University of New Hampshire ’19)
Yes, it’s true that some people make their best friend during orientation, or on the first day of classes, but usually this is not the case. Sometimes it takes a couple weeks or even months before you find the group of people you really fit with well. In my experience and I know in others, I didn’t meet my best friends until second semester. Yeah, I had friends first semester that I spent the majority of my time with, but once I found the group of friends I had second semester, everything just felt right.
3. “You never know where you are going to find new friends, be open to the possibilities.” – Maeghan Spear (Franklin Pierce University ’19)
If last year someone walked up to me and told me that I would meet some of my best friends in the laundry room of my dorm building while talking about how often girls change their underwear compared to boys, I’d laugh and walk away. But it’s true. Was I expecting to meet my best friends like that? No, I had a group of people I had been hanging around with, but I was open to the opportunity and the possibility of new friendships, and it brought me some of the best friends that I have ever had.
4. “Be willing to take chances your first year of college. Use them to grow and learn. You may be surprised what you learn about yourself.” – Sarah Kifer (Eastern Nazarene College ’19)
Apply this piece of advice to life and not just college. If you are afraid to take chances, you may miss out on some of the best opportunities. Life is about taking risks and putting yourself out there. Live life to the fullest.
5. “Don’t have any regrets. Always be open to meet new people and try new things at college and don’t forget to have fun!” – Anthony Barinelli (Franklin Pierce University ’19)
Living life to the fullest is all about putting yourself out there. Don’t regret decisions, learn from them. Also, making sure you are having fun is important. If you find yourself in a position where you are not enjoying yourself, make a change. Have fun while you are still young.
6. “If you don't feel at home in your first semester, give it time. Friendships don't develop overnight and you have plenty of time to pick your career path.” – Sarah Bizzotto (University of New Hampshire ’19)
Too many people transfer after their first semester because it wasn’t what they expected. Truthfully, it may be enough time for you, but give the school you chose more than just one chance. You chose it for a reason after all. You have plenty of time to make mistakes and change your mind. Do it while you are young so that you can find yourself.
7. “Budget your money... Pace yourself in the dining hall... Be open to making new friends and memories.” – Alex Buckman (University of New Hampshire ’19)
The life of the stereotypical “broke college student” is all too real. College is expensive but so it all paths of life after high school. Jobs are good and helpful but learning how to budget is a very important life skill. On top of that, the “Freshman 15” is no joke either. The all-you-can-eat option is tempting but don’t take too much advantage of it. Eventually it will catch up to you.
8. “You need to be flexible, but don't be afraid to speak up when you know something isn't working for you. Your health in all aspects is more important than trying to not cause a fuss.” – Sophie Weitzman (Simmons College ’19)
Put yourself and your health first. While you need to be flexible and work with others, if something is unhealthy for you, make a change, even if that means hurting others. They will understand.
9. “Not everyone is who they say they are, and people change. Someone may seem nice first semester, but once they open up to you turn out to be absolutely crazy. So choose your roommate and friends wisely, but don’t be hurt when they change. Adapt and move on.” – Maeghan Spear (Franklin Pierce University ’19)
Some people find their best friend, or at least a good friend, in their roommate. Some are not so lucky. There are plenty of roommate horror stories to go around. But if there is anything I learned in my first year it is to not put up with anything. “Lay down the law” as Plamedi Makelela told me. While in my experience this applies to the person I was living with, it may apply to friendships as well. People aren’t always who they say they are. Treat others how you want to be treated and if they do not do the same, give them one more chance to prove otherwise and move on.
10. “Everything will work out in the end. Have faith and enjoy your time.” – The High School Class of 2015
We all have different paths that we decided to take. Even though some of us may have chosen the same universities as each other we are on vastly different paths. However, almost everyone I spoke to would agree that everything does work out in the end. Life is not out to get you even if it does seem like it is sometimes. Have faith and follow your heart.
One more time, congratulations Class of 2016 on your graduation. Enjoy your final days as a high schooler, reminisce on the time spent there, but look to the future with hope and faith that you are destine for great things.
