Beginning my senior year of high school this past week was rather bittersweet. Ok, maybe a tad more sweet than bitter. High school has been a long and winding road that unfortunately was filled with more than one bad memory, although I can't say there were no good ones. Waking up on my last first day of school brought back the many memories of 'first day of school pictures' on my front porch, adorned with a new backpack, my school box and crayons, and of course, a new pair of shoes that would surely be ruined by recess that same month. Through my experiences, I have learned that school should not be looked at as strictly a forced thing that will not be enjoyable for anyone. Instead, it should be viewed as an education that you are so blessed to receive.
That being said, here are just a few things I wish I had known and taken to heart before my high school education comes to a close.
1. Stop caring what people think of you
For most in my age group, this is easier said than done by a long shot. I have spent countless hours in the classroom fidgeting with my outfit for the day, not even able to focus on the lesson because I was so nervous as to what people would think of me. When I wasn't lucky enough to sit in the back of the class and had to spend the day up front, my thoughts were fully occupied by worries. What would people think about me in the halls? Is my shirt too colorful? Too small? Are my shoes ugly? Listen, it doesn't matter, I promise you. Wear what makes you happy and comfortable. High schoolers can be so caught up in themselves that they'll take no notice of you. Be you, be unique.
2. Learn to stand out
Growing up in the same school (since preschool) I have seen people in the halls evolve and shape themselves to fit the mold that is presented by today's society. We wear the same things, we speak the same words, laugh at the same jokes. It's exhausting. All jokes aside, it truly is a lot of work to continuously shape yourself to fit into the standards of today's society. Why should you have to? Learn to present yourself to the world in a way that will make you proud to be unique.
3. Appreciate the good times, learn from the bad
In my sophomore year, my mom faced a huge career change that effected me deeply. It made that school year so incredibly hard for me, everyday I felt like a black sheep in a sea of white sheep, I didn't want to pursue my friendships or my grades. By the time the end of the year came, I seemed to have dwindled away at the sadness and loneliness and was left with a version of myself that I found humbling; someone who preferred to look at the brighter side of things rather than the negative, I had grown from the experience and I hadn't even realized it. It goes to show that lessons can be learned from any type of situation. With a new sense of appreciation, I seemed to enjoy the smaller moments more and more; I made good use of volunteer opportunities, I went to school dances and sports games. Learn to love the small moments that are shared with friends, because before you know it, those moments will be coming to an end.
4. You'll learn that humility, loyalty and a genuine attitude will serve you well
From friendships and relationships to your attitude outside of the classroom, learning these traits and practicing them with an open heart will be incredibly beneficial when you leave high school.
"Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives, when we focus on 'being more' rather than simply having more."
-Daisaku Ikeda
5. Your family really does love you
Being a high schooler is already hard enough as it is and with the pressure put on you from your parents, how could it possibly get better? Don't fall into that mindset. Trust me when I say how important it is to realize their love and sacrifice for you. Their encouraging words and actions won't always be there to support you, so learn to appreciate their love.
6. Forgiveness is a quality that is underrated, yet necessary
Learning to forgive is something no one wants to do, yet everyone needs to forgive at some point. Seeing the value of this as a high schooler will be much easier than learning the lesson as an adult. Forgive when you don't feel like it, forgive when they don't deserve it, ultimately it will help you let go and move on. At times, even speaking the words to someone else can bring a sense of clarity and perhaps freedom.
7. Just because you're young doesn't mean you can't face your fears
Learn that you can face some really tough situations and that you're stronger than you thought you were, both physically and mentally. When pressed on all sides you can face your fears and have more courage than you thought you could. Courage is not being without fear, it is looking at the impossible and running into it.
With graduation on the horizon for my class of 2017, the world seems to open its doors to bigger and better opportunities. Sure, maybe you can't wait for that final bell to ring, maybe you're terrified to be out on your own. Whatever situation you may be in, know that high school has taught us some valuable lessons, lessons that should be taken with us in order to better our futures and humble our hearts.
