High school is two words that has wildly different meanings to every person. For some, it’s football games, friend groups, and prom nights. For others, it’s stress, awkwardness, and discovering yourself. Truthfully, it’s a mix of both. High school is a game of trial and error, making mistakes and learning how to bounce back. There’s a lot to unpack, so whether you’re an incoming freshman or about to take the graduation stage here’s my two cents on staying afloat throughout high school.
First Two Years
Junior and senior year are the most talked about moments, but freshman and sophomore set you up for success in your high school years. Academically, they build your GPA. This impacts your college options, scholarships, and your ability to be involved once you get to college. So take your early years to create solid, honest academic habits.
Freshman and sophomore year are a time to build lifelong friendships and create your circle. These are the people who you will navigate high school with, so choose those who uplift you and push you to be the best version of yourself. Everyone has their own interests, so be unapologetically you and the right people will find you.
Procrastination
It’s a struggle everyone has at some point with practices, clubs, rehearsals and loads of school work we all say “I’ll do it later.” But don’t let this be your high school motto. I would 100% recommend taking a study hall every semester and giving yourself time to stay on top of work. If not, you might be spiraling into missed deadlines, last minute panic, and doing days of homework all in one night.
The difference between letting procrastination push you or pull you under is discipline. Start now, wherever you are, and put in the work even when you don’t want to. Trust me, future you will thank you.
Drama
In every aspect of life your reputation precedes you. Every decision you make will matter, whether its a year or twenty years from now. Yes, everyone makes mistakes and they are necessary to grow as a person but there are people in life who can’t look past that.
If you have a reputation that shadows over your current character, make the switch as soon as you can. My mom used to tell me, “be kind to everyone because one day that person could be your potential boss at a job interview.” Think, would they hire you if all they had to judge you on was your high school character?
From kindergarten until the deathbed, life will always be filled with drama from family, friends, and relationships. Try to always take the high road; be the bigger person while also standing up for yourself. And remember, just because you’ve forgiven someone and dropped the burden of being mad doesn’t mean you have to continue to be their best friend. Protect your peace and go with grace.
Involvement
No matter how cool you think you are, you’re not too cool to get involved. Involvement sets you up for the future, it adds lines to your resume but more importantly, memories that make high school special.
Not everyone has the desire to be president of all the clubs but even participating in class discussions is better than nothing. Creating relationships with your teachers will help you in all aspects, sometimes it’s as little as the 1% you need added to your grade, or exchanging tears with your English teacher about where to go to college.
School spirit is something everyone has the opportunity to do. Wear a silly outfit, do the chants, show up to games. It creates lifelong memories and enhances the high school experience.
There is a club fit for everyone’s niches. With Student Council, Japanese Club, Speech and Debate, SADD and FCCLA there are people in your school who have the same interests and joining clubs is a crucial way to seek them out.
Ultimately, say yes, to volunteering, student sections, leadership, fostering relationships, and anything that gets you connected to administration, teachers, and students.
High School Isn’t Forever
High school is just four out of the many years of our lives, it’s some people’s peak, but it’s not for everyone. Just remember it doesn’t last forever, whether that brings tears to your eyes or issues a sigh of relief, there are ways to make the most of it.
