During my first year of high school, I continually thought to myself, "only Freshman year is hard, after this it will get much easier." Oh, how wrong I was. The call time is the same in the morning, but now we sleep later in the night because of the workload. The classes themselves are harder, and they aren't going to get any better. But I have also learned many positives about being one year older than the wee little babies we were when we entered high school.

1. We don't get picked on anymore

As I am in Marching Band, we have a week every summer where we have a camp to discuss the rules of the season as well as meet everyone. During the summer of 2016, as a freshman, I attended the camp and got my first taste of what high school would be like. Not used to being the smallest, being a freshman was not the best experience in high school. However, I used to think, "I'll never be as mean to those freshman as the upperclassmen were to me." Looking back now, I laugh at the naivety of my words and continually look down on those kids who are younger than us.

2. As the workload increases, your ability to time manage gets better

Taking all honors and AP courses (World history, anyone?) makes life very difficult sometimes. At the beginning of the year, I was so overwhelmed that I could not force myself to work. However, as November has begun, I have adapted to a large amount of work that is required for the classes as well as the impact of extracurricular activities. I sleep earlier now, knowing I have done more efficient work and have tried my hardest. This has allowed me to gain a skill in time management, and while I still procrastinate, the amount of work that is left is smaller.

3. The choice of friends you make can help you with the toughest of times

I value friendship almost as much as I value family. The people you have around you help you become a better person and they are always willing to have your back. In times of struggle, they lend a helping hand to those who stay true and are fun to be around. High school is a team effort, and each person matters.