With high school’s end nearing, I’ve found myself more and more afraid. While I’ve looked forward to graduation since freshman year, I now dread the idea of leaving — leaving friends who know every secret, every dream, leaving wonderful teachers who have become mentors, leaving my family who has supported me all these years, leaving comfort. However, throughout this bittersweet process, I have found one comfort: helping new freshmen.
This year, I’ve realized that while I cannot do anything to stop time, I can help those who are about to enter high school.
So, here is my personal advice for anyone who is entering or is in high school.
- Yes, work hard, but also spend time with friends;
To all the overachievers out there dreaming of going somewhere where they will be challenged further, I get it. It’s good to push yourself. Take advantage of the opportunities you’re given and create opportunities for yourself. However, don’t lose yourself in the midst of it.
After all, if you’re rejected by these highly competitive colleges, you still want to be able to look back at high school in fulfillment and satisfaction. I’ve been so lucky to have a wonderful group of friends, and I know that wherever I go, I will fear grateful for the time I had in high school.
2. Manage your time
I know, I know. Everyone says time management is important, but it really is. I came into high school thinking that I wouldn’t even have to worry about it. I was wrong. There are so many distractions. Not just social media and “fun” things, but also simply other obligations. It’s hard balancing school work, clubs, competitions. I think it takes some trial and error to get it right. My advice is to spend time like money. Be efficient. Ask for help early on. Think of the future you.
3. Go to school activities!
This is slightly similar to number one. We only get to live out high school once. While we may often complain, high school is, honestly, a wonderful period of life. You have some independence without the pressure of being in charge of your entire life financially. Enjoy it. Some of my favorite memories have come from going to random high school events that I didn’t expect I would enjoy — bonfires, late-night study cram nights.
4. Your parents are going through high school for the first time.
When I started high school, I hated to admit that I was going into my hormonal teenage era. But I was, to some degree. While I did not have a teenage dirtbag era, I did find my expectations for my parents to be higher at times. I became frustrated more easily, sighed a lot more, rolled my eyes a lot more
. This may be annoying to hear, but everyone goes through this. It’s biological. However, please keep in mind that in just four short years, you’re going off to college. Your life and relationship with your parents won’t be the same, so treasure it. Is this small thing really worth a fight? Probably not. Your parents are just as new to this experience as you are, so speak and act with empathy and care.
5. Take time to appreciate people
The other day, I submitted a really simple, short raving review for my AP Euro teacher. It took me less than five minutes, but it made his day. It just goes to show how sometimes the littlest actions can have the greatest differences. Our teachers are just humans. Yes, their hard work is reflected in AP scores, in grades, but sometimes a letter can be the needed bit of morale and spirit. It’s not just teachers. It’s friends, family, and classmates.
These five pieces of advice are things I wish I had known starting freshman year. While I cannot rewind the clock, I hope these help someone with their journey.
