Here I am, a 2016 graduate trying to explain four years of chaos to someone who probably is struggling to stay awake in their Biology and Calculus classes. I can tell you that I surely don't know everything, I don't even know half of everything. I am a college kid running on a bowl of ramen and four hours of sleep while simultaneously running out of my flex money for food. Needless to say, I have a lot more I need to learn, but I think that I have served my time in the four years of high school well enough to pass on my wisdom that has been passed to me whether through experiences or through someone talking to me the way I am now talking to you.
When you begin your four years, first off, ignore anyone who tells you that it's going to be the best four years of your life. They're not necessarily wrong, though. Ignore them because the best four years of your life are whatever years you choose them to be. I can say that I loved high school but the fun I have had this far in college far surpasses what I even expected.
As a freshman female, ignore the crap about upperclassmen wanting only one thing. Some do, but some underclassmen want the same thing. Like who you want and find someone who wants you for the right things.
As for wanting that one thing, no one truly cares. No one cares whether you are a virgin or not. It doesn't matter to anyone except you. Be safe and happy with whatever choices you make.
When you make all choices make them for yourself and your future. Understand that the friends you have freshman year will be different from sophomore year, and junior year, and senior year, and after high school. I hope that you do keep the same friends. I hope that you talk to your high school friends after you graduate.
When you get your heart broke for the first time understand that yes, it hurts, it will get better and it isn't the end of the world. Lean on your friends, lean on your parents, cope in your own way. Just make sure that you allow yourself to feel whatever you need to.
Freshman, you need to know that yes, you are a freshman but just for this year. It's okay. Give the upperclassmen their time because one day you will be in their shoes. Only then will you truly see how upperclassmen truly view freshmen. Also start getting involved in things now. As a freshman put your foot in the door of anything you might want to do throughout high school. Trust me, it makes life easier than if you try to join softball again sophomore or junior year. Going along with that, try new things. Audition for the musical, play football, join Key Club, just get out of your comfort zone! Just make sure that you take your homework seriously. If you screw up freshman year it can and will screw up the following years. Don't slack off.
Sophomores, welcome to what will probably be the most awkward and rewarding year of high school. You are in this big in between phase of not being a freshman and yet not really an upperclassman. It's okay though because this allows you to fly under the radar. This is the year you really start learning more about yourself. Plus, you're probably going to get your license this year and that is awesome.
Juniors, buckle in for safety because this year is where life starts to get a whole lot crazier. You are now going to have to face that dreaded question more and more, "so what are you planning to do after high school? Where do you want to go to college? What do you want to study?" At this point, you might think you have it figured out but keep an open mind. Plans can change and you don't know everything yet. This being said, start your college search now. Go to any college days you can. Visit local ones. Visit colleges far away. No matter where you choose just make sure you are happy! It's going to probably be your home for the next four years.
Seniors, no words can explain the absolute whirlwind of a year that you are just now beginning. Your last first day. Your last homecoming. Your last Christmas break. Your senior pictures. Graduation. Graduation parties. Everything will go by so fast so don't blink. Enjoy your time and go out with your friends as much as you possibly can. It's not the end of the world to miss a small assignment or two. In the long run, the memories you make will last way longer than any grades. Now you might have answers to those questions that I mentioned earlier, but if not then it's okay! Your life is just now beginning and you have so much ahead of you and so much potential you don't even realize it yet. Just find what makes you happy.
Enjoy your high school years while you can. Every year goes faster and faster. You won't believe that last sentence until some point during your senior year. It hit me as I moved my tassel to the other side. I sat by a girl who had no plans what so ever, a girl who was going into the military, a guy planning to take over his family’s farm, a girl moving to Florida for college, a guy going to the local university, and another guy who has no plans to ever leave town. Everyone had their own plan and some of us went on to do it but some didn't. We still see each other's Facebook posts and run into each other from time to time when we will stand at the local gas station or Walmart and catch each other up. I think one of the most important things you should know is that these are four years are just a part of you. They happen and you can't avoid them so you might as well enjoy them. They become a part of you whether you like it or not, so might as well make them something worth remembering.
