It doesn’t matter if you loved it or hated it -- high school is generally a wild ride for everyone. Looking back, you may consider it a life changing experience. For me, it was. I remember as I finished eighth grade and prepared to enter into an entirely different school system, I was assured by adults it would be the “best four years” of my life. This certainly was not the case. I don’t regret that I took myself away from long-time friends and familiarity in order to attend a high school in a different system which offered a considerably larger arts program; however, it was a rough, sometimes unbearable journey. In retrospect, I wish I had been aware of certain things I more recently came to realize. It would have made my high school years a whole lot easier to tolerate.

Misery loves company: I wish I had realized that teens -- especially girls -- who attempt to lower the self esteem of their peers are actually the ones who lack confidence in themselves. Since the first day of entering that new school system, I had a difficult time with a particular circle of girls. I tried not to take it personally, because they were just as awful to the next student who walked by in the hallway. Back then, I allowed their disgusting actions to bring me down. During that time, it was difficult to understand the things they said and did were not a reflection of me, but actually a reflection of themselves.

Social status: I wish I had understood early on that cliques are not worth desiring to be part of, and certainly do not define who you really are. This I came to realize after my freshman year. The more confident and comfortable I became with myself, the more I realized I wasn’t going to lower myself and be a bystander to bullying just to be part of a particular group of “friends.” Rather, I was comfortable with my like-minded, small group of close friends who were kind to everyone without exclusion -- not just our circle.

The unappreciated profession: in high school, I became very aware that faculty and staff in public schools are terribly unappreciated. The general treatment they receive is disgraceful. Both faculty and administration at my high school went above their job descriptions, ultimately assisting me in transitioning into the new system, got me into into specific arts and academic programs which extended off campus and into the arts community, and helped me to deal with that circle of unwelcoming students. As I reflect, I am even more appreciative today, since their guidance assisted me through tough times and helped me to recognize my strengths and talents. I am grateful.

My tip: I wish I had realized early on that just because I didn’t fit into one particular circle didn’t mean I wouldn’t be welcomed into another. I had respectable friends who attended other schools; I was fortunate enough to see them on weekends and after school dance/theater rehearsals. Those were the people I wanted to associate with. I had to realize not fitting into some environments was actually best. I focused on my academics and it very much paid off.

I’m proud of myself for getting through such challenging times and coming out on top. Thanks for a wild ride, DHS.