With high school comes crying, laughing, stressing, failing, and succeeding. It is a time to learn, and to learn about yourself. These 10 things are what I have found to be my biggest takeaways from my high school experience:
1. Make the best out of an imperfect situation
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Sometimes high school throws you curveballs. Maybe you didn't make varsity track, you didn't get the lead in the musical, or you got rejected from an a cappella group. It is times like this when you learn about your true character, and the way you react to these let downs are what can shape you as a person. Taking that energy and channeling it to something different can lead you to something you never thought you would do.
2. Laugh at yourself
High school is filled with some of the most embarrassing and uncomfortable moments of our lives. Learning to laugh at yourself is a necessity when trying to get through these awkward times.
3. Value your friends
The first week of college was filled with numerous faceless phone numbers piling into my contacts. I met so many “friends” throughout the first couple of days. I’ve realized that it is easy to find someone you can call a friend, but best friends can be much harder to find. Your high school friends have been through some of the weirdest, and most awkward times with you, so don't lose sight of them, because they have your best interest at heart.
4. Sleep is actually important
As much as we would like to think that we can thrive on 5 hours of sleep, we can't! Realizing this was something that was very important throughout my high school career, especially when I was bargaining with myself about whether or not to pull an all nighter studying, or to simply get a good night sleep.
5. Appreciate diversity of all kinds
Diversity can be understood in many different ways. I was lucky enough to attend an incredibly diverse high school, and at the time I did not appreciate all of the different perspectives I was surrounded by. It is important to embrace the diversity that surrounds you, no matter what kind it may be. Listen to others, and form your own opinions.
6. Learn for yourself, and not for a grade
It can be hard to separate learning from grades. It is important to develop a love of learning in high school so that in college you can focus on that. I understand that good grades equates good college in many people's minds, but try to step back and remember the reasons why you are learning in the first place. You are learning to gain knowledge, not a grade.
7. Embrace failure, even when you don't want to
Along with high school can come moments of disappointment. But the way that we learn to handle these situations is what truly matters. Failing a test, or getting rejected from a college, does not define you. If you improve the way you handle these situations, then you are improving yourself. Rejection must be used as motivation!
8. Coffee makes everything better
Need to study for a test tomorrow? Drink coffee. Have an 8am class? Drink coffee. Need energy to watch your favorite Netflix series? Drink coffee.
9. Your best memories will probably happen outside of the classroom
Whether you are inside a sweaty lacrosse locker room, or in your dorm room during a movie marathon, you will be making memories. I know I will remember winning our last JV hockey game more than I will remember polynomials, and thats ok. High school is a time to grow, and growing doesn't just happen in history class.
10. Don't take yourself too seriously
I realize that it is hard not to get caught up in trying to get perfect grades, and join every club you can. But every once in a while, look at the bigger picture. It's just high school. A few bad grades will have no serious effect on your life. So try to have some fun throughout these 4 weird, stressful, hilarious, and confusing years.
