High school can either be what some say are the best four years of your life, or it can be a complete mess. Regardless, here are the four things you should remember through it all.
1. It’s not that serious.
I know it seems like high school makes up the entirety of your life right now, but trust me — there are so many more great things to come. Although these four years can feel like a lifetime sometimes, by the end of it all, you’ll wonder how time managed to fly by so quickly. That being said, enjoy these moments. After all, you are spending the vast majority of your time in class or participating in school-related activities. Even if you find high school to be dreadful and want to rush to get out of there, take comfort in knowing that this portion of your life is truly so minor in the grand scheme of things. Pursue these years with a light heart.
2. Be a leader
By the time I was a junior, I was frantically trying to join every club I could, worried that I didn’t have enough extracurriculars to show colleges that I was well-rounded. My best advice to steer away from this dilemma is not to join every club your school has to offer. Instead, find the topics and organizations that interest you early on. The best time to think this is during freshman and sophomore year. Truly invest yourself in these clubs, too. It will look much better on your resume if you prove that you have started from the bottom and worked your way up into a leadership position, rather than having a list of random clubs.
3. Don’t set your standards too low
During my senior year, I discovered that it is surprisingly easy to get into college. So don’t worry yourself wondering if you have a chance to get in at all. Worry about where you want to go, do your research, and fall in love with your school of choice, instead of committing to any school that will admit you. If you decide to take a chance on a school that only cares about your money, there’s a good chance you’ll end up transferring. Set the bar high and you will find where you belong.
4. Don’t worry about what other people think
In high school, what you wear, say, and do all seem like big deal. In college, you will find that literally no one cares at all. You could go out wearing a costume and no one will take a second look. Naps on the library couches are no big deal. And feel like riding your unicycle today? Well, that’s just another normal day in college.