The cliché is true. High school will be over sooner than you think. I remember being a freshman and thinking the agony (that I now know I blew out of proportion) would never end. But that end is now approaching faster than I can adequately wrap my brain around, and as I look back on my experience, I realize that I wish someone had told me a few things before I made some of the decisions I did in high school.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t drastically alter my path on life. But hearing certain advice definitely would have been of some assistance and comfort emotionally when I needed it during the four years in these halls. Therefore, I would like to enlighten you.
1. Your best friend freshman year will more than likely not be your best friend by the end of your senior year.
It’s OK, people change. You did too.
2. It is not the end of the world when you barely pass the test you studied so hard for.
Ask questions, review it and learn it the proper way.
3. Memorization is not truly learning.
You have to legitimately understand in order to grow.
4. Your teachers did not give you a bad grade because they hate you.
You probably received a bad grade because you waited until the last minute or put in minimal effort and didn’t ask for help. You get what you give. The world is not out to get you.
5. Your first love will not stay by your side forever.
Still get out of bed in the morning. Still brush your teeth, still go to school and still do your homework. Do not put your life on hold fora fleeting moment of happiness. Everyone you see has had their heart broken by their first real love. Everyone.
6. Get out and experience things.
I know it is hard to balance studying, sports, clubs, a job and then try to obtain an adequate amount of sleep so that you don’t feel like a zombie the next day. There is not enough time in a day to accomplish everything, but you need to prioritize.
7. Make lists of what you need to do.
Make plenty of lists.
8. Read the books your English teachers give you.
It is a crazy idea, but maybe you could relate to characters in the literature and actually learn something about yourself.
9. Challenge yourself with the classes you choose to take.
Life does not always give you an easy escape route. You need to learn how to handle yourself when the going gets rough.
10. People will say cruel, harsh, demeaning things about you.
Realize that this says more about them than it does you. Please understand that they have never stood in your shoes and do not know the emotions brewing inside your head. Be kind, smile and walk away knowing that you are a better person when you do not ridicule them back. Walk away with empathy. Understand that everyone you know is deeply saddened about something, especially the ones that to choose to tear you down.
11. Follow your instincts.
Trust your gut. Live a little but please be safe. This is the only time in your life where you do not have the distinct responsibility of an adult, but yet are not treated like a toddler. Make memories, but remember you are not invincible.
12. You have been spoon fed information since kindergarten.
Take the time to learn information on your own of the subjects that interest you. It will be easier to find a method that is suitable for you now then to try later in life when you have a million more things going on.
13. Take chances.
Smile at the person you pass in the hall everyday that you find cute. Laugh at the corny jokes your teacher makes. Try something new. Have courage. The fear of suffering is far worse than the suffering itself.
14. Always leave time for yourself.
Always make time to do something you love. Learn to love yourself. You cannot form genuine bonds with people if you do not have anything genuine inside you to give. You are more than enough. You can be whatever you choose to be. You are worthy of whatever you set your mind to. Dreams really do come true, you just have to work and believe. I’m living proof.
15. Most of you will probably read this and think, “I don’t need to listen to this."
"I hate Waterloo. I can’t wait to get out. I don’t need to study. Party, YOLO!” But odds are, you will be in my shoes sooner than you know. You'll be wishing you had taken the time to get the most out of your experience while you had the chance. Wishing that you had taken this free education a little less for granted. Wishing that you had spoken more to some of your teachers; believe it or not, they have lessons to offer you that are not part of their curriculum. Open up to them. They can help you more than you could possibly comprehend.
If you are able to take one thing from what I have shared with you, then I hope it is that you are now setting the foundation of who you will be in this world – a world that will be at your fingertips sooner than you know. Everything affects everything. Have courage and be kind. Everyone is as terrified as you are.
