Going into freshman year of high school there were a lot of things I was unsure of. Did I want a boyfriend? Should I try and please everyone around me? What should I dress like? Am I going to do well enough to go to college? Something I learned though through all of high school was that I didn't need the approval of my classmates, teachers, or anyone for that matter as long as I was happy at the end of the day with who I was as a person. So without further ado, here are 10 things I wish I knew before I started my freshman year.

1. Don't worry about the boys.

I have been dating the same boy since ninth grade, but I didn't go looking for him I liked him of course but I didn't go out of my way to impress him or flirt for that matter I started to focus on myself. I think that if more freshman did that there wouldn't be so much fighting.

2. Worry about you and only you.

Nobody else is in control of your happiness or academic success and that took me awhile to figure out. I always wanted to go to college and graduate from college with a degree I loved, now because I focused on myself I am on my way to do that.

3. Find friends you can be yourself around.

I didn't have a whole lot of friends that stuck with me, but anyone that has at least seen my article titles knows that I love my small friend group I have now. I am myself around them and they accept it, which is one of the coolest things I have ever experienced to be honest.

4. Try everything.

Sports, student sections, clubs, everything you can think of. I didn't think I would like robotics and honestly I never had more fun with a group of people in my entire life. Bond with classmates and underclassmen because you only get one chance at this and then it's over.

5. Go to the sporting events.

You don't get to go back and be a student after you graduate. Get the full experience and I'm not saying every single one, but at least give it a couple tries because you might be surprised.

6. Do things that make you uncomfortable.

Before you get concerned, I mean like I took robotics, which was weird because I am now going to college for journalism. You wouldn't expect an English person to be on a STEM team, it was something that intimidated me and that is something everyone should experience.

7. Don't disrespect your teachers.

Something that always was disappointing to see was that student that always had to talk back to the teacher and just be a jerk, DON'T BE THAT PERSON! Have fun with your teachers and really learn what they have to teach you.

8. Participate in the pep assemblies.

The games are designed to make you look stupid, but they are all your classmates and who cares how dumb you look if you end up holding up the DIY spirit trophy!

9. Cherish the time you have there.

I wished away some of my high school and I wish now that I would have taken more time to really think of it as more than a quick stop on the long journey of life. Make every moment count, because someday it will be too late.

10. Thank the teachers and staff.

They all do more than you think, and when I say staff I mean janitors, lunch staff, office crew, and everyone in between. They all make sure you have the best learning environment possible. Thank your teachers for teaching you not only the common core, but the life lessons that went along with the bigger lessons. Never forget those.

I listed ten things that I tried to do in high school and I hope that this list can focus you on whats important, grades (of course) and having fun. Don't waste high school, do everything and anything you can think of be adventurous.

Good Luck.

Ashton

Class of 2016 Alumni