Dear High School Student,
I know it may seem like things are spiraling out of control, and I know that at times you may feel alone. Don’t worry, it isn’t permanent. None of this is permanent: this school, these people, those teachers. Once you leave this place, there is a good chance that you may not talk to anyone in your class ever again. That may excite you or it may terrify you, but either way it is the truth—so take a minute and at least consider the advice I’m about to give you. I survived high school. It’s not as bad as you think.
1. Study!
Don’t fly by the seat of your pants hoping that you’ll pass that history test. Take the initiative and actually study for it. It doesn’t matter if it is your freshman year or your senior year. Your grades will have an impact on your future in one way or another. So, instead of watching another episode of your favorite show on Netflix, take the time to actually read that chapter in your history book about the first presidential election.
2. Don't stress about your future!
I know everyone will be telling you that at eighteen years old you’re expected to know exactly what you want to do with your life. Newsflash: you don’t. I was convinced from the time I was in seventh grade that I would be a teacher. When I entered high school, I was convinced I would be a high school Biology teacher. Now, I'm a double major in English Literature and English Journalism, and I hope to be an investigative journalist someday. It’s a far cry from high school Biology teacher, but journalism is where I found myself. It is perfectly okay to not know exactly what you want to do.
3. Be yourself!
Now, I know what you’re thinking—how can I be myself? I won’t be accepted. It’s okay. One thing I learned throughout high school is that I would rather be disliked for who I am than loved for who I’m not. It shouldn’t matter if everyone else loves pop music, and you think it sounds like garbage. It shouldn’t matter if everyone else loves to shop at Abercrombie, and you don’t like the clothing they have there. It does not matter. You were created to be your and only you—not a clone. If we all liked the same things life would be pretty boring and extremely predictable.
4. Don't stress yourself out over grades!
I know this may seem contradictory to my first statement, but it isn’t. See, if you’re trying really hard, and you’re only getting a C; it will be okay. During my senior year, I struggled during the first semester in AP Government despite studying hours upon hours for every test and constantly seeking out help from my teacher. Regardless, I learned that it was okay to struggle. I wasn’t expected to know everything and as much as I wanted to get an A in every class that wasn’t always going to happen. Try hard, but don’t stress yourself out, because stress won’t help you pass the class.
5. Have fun!
High school can be a crazy and stressful time of your life, but don’t let the bad stuff consume you so much that you can’t have fun. Get out and go to that sporting event with your friends! Be involved! Try out for your school’s play or join a club! Try something you’ve never done before because maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a new hobby! Most importantly, enjoy your time in high school! Make the most of it because before you know it you’ll be walking across the stage to grab your diploma and wonder where the last four years went.
