As you can probably tell from the title of this article, I am a recent high school grad, and like all high school grads, I can say I learned a thing or two during my four years other than how to take derivatives or how to write an entire paper during one half-hour lunch period. High school certainly had its ups and downs, but I can honestly say that I learned some incredibly valuable lessons during my time there. So, without further ado, here are just a few of my lessons for current and future high schoolers.
1. It's nothing like "High School Musical," even if you're in the drama department.
Believe me -- I speak from experience.
2. Sometimes, getting involved means doing things that you think you wouldn't enjoy.
Try to stay caught up on all aspects of your school. If you're an athlete, go see a play or attend an art show. If you're an actor, go see a football game. If you have my luck, that football game will be in the rain in 30-degree weather, but I’m actually really glad I stepped out of my sphere. I have great memories because of it!
3. Some people just aren't going to like you.
It took me the longest time to understand that that was OK. Some people will dislike you no matter what you have or haven’t done, so you will save yourself a lot of time and tears if you just learn to let those people go and focus on the people that value your friendship.
4. Relationships with your teachers are key!
I know that many students just want to get through classes and rush home at the end of the day, but if I hadn’t gotten to know my teachers so well, high school would have been much more challenging and much less exciting. Establishing relationships with your teachers makes that 8 a.m. Calculus class bearable, because you know that your super chill math teacher will actually engage you in class. If you ever run into trouble with grades or with material, go see the teacher! This way they know that their class is important to you and they can understand your perspective much better.
5. Take responsibility for your actions.
If you are the defensive type (like I was) and you refuse to acknowledge your faults while you are young, you will stunt your own development. It may seem painful to own up to your actions at first, but I can promise you that it’s actually incredibly freeing! It’s much harder for people to hurt you once you decide to take the reins and become the bigger person.
6. Put yourself out there.
If you are feeling a bit lonely or your typical friend group just isn't cutting it for you anymore, it’s up to you to meet new people. Introducing yourself to a new group is terrifying at first, but who knows? That one, “Hi. My name is…” may just start a lifelong friendship. Also, if you are not received well by these prospective friends, then let it roll off your back and keep moving. If they won’t give you the time of day, they certainly won’t be the kinds of friends you are looking for.
7. Don't stand in the middle of the hallways.
I promise you an upperclassman will not hesitate to push you out of the way. And traffic flows to the right! Make that a mental note.
8. Find your passion.
The thing that kept me sane in high school was my passion for theater. I was lucky, because I knew what I loved going into high school, but don’t worry if you aren’t sure yet. High school is the time to try out new things and completely immerse yourself in those activities that you feel strongly about. Eat, sleep and breathe your passion. This will give you some impressive credentials to put on college applications!
9. Keep a sweatshirt in your locker.
Some like it hot, but others -- not so much. I had a teacher who would open the windows with snow on the ground, so my sweatshirt basically saved my life. Temperatures in high schools are unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared.
10. It truly doesn't matter what college you go to.
Up until the very end of my senior year, I believed that I would be wasting all of my hard work if I didn’t attend a very highly ranked college. This attitude caused me a lot of heartache during my application process, and I lost sight of what I wanted in a college. Do not get caught up in the statistics and rankings! Strive to go to the school that can do the most for you, whether that is your local community college or Harvard.
11. Life’s what you make it. (Hannah Montana knew what was up.)
If you take advantage of the opportunities presented to you, you will be successful! It will all work out, I promise.
