When you reach the ripe old age of 14, adults love to tell you that high school will be the best four years of your life. Are they right? Probably not. However, though your years in high school may not be the best four years, they're definitely the most important four years. You have just left the black hole that was junior high school and you're ready for a fresh start: new friends, more independence, and a good time. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn't it? Then suddenly, you forget about the pros to come when you're forced to focus on the cons at hand. How could you be expected to socialize and study for that Living Environment test at the same time? Are you ever going to get started on that Global essay that's due tomorrow? It isn't long before you stop and think to yourself, there are four more years of this. Amidst all the stress and piled on problems, it is easy to take for granted how much time you have to find yourself and experience your teenage years. Here are some tips I recommend to take advantage of this time.
Get involved in a lot of activities in high school; plays, clubs, sports, monitoring for a teacher, anything that will open your mind or help you grow as a person. Personally, I was not very inclined to put myself out there or join many activities during my freshman year. I tried out for the cheerleading team and succeeded, but I turned it down. I was going to attempt to run track but I never did that either. Instead, I became very involved in theatre, but only because I was given a push. Had it not been for my theatre teacher throwing me into every theatrical event and activity, I would not have been able to accomplish the things that I have. It is not always easy to see what you're capable of. It is important to keep your options open so you can make the most out of anything and everything that comes your way.
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Though you might hear this cliché way too often, it does bear some truth: don't judge a book by its cover. It is very easy to decide that you like or dislike a person without even getting to know them. But don't even forget to give people a chance. Some of my best friends from high school are people that I never thought I would hang out with. Don't let others intimidate you. Talk to that girl in your geometry class that you think you might get along with. Friendship can go a long way, you just need to make an effort.
Everyone is in the same boat as you- so give yourself some credit, open your circle, and let it happen. Leave forced friendships alone, but don't burn any bridges. Giving people negative attention and allowing them to infiltrate your life will distract you from all of the positive opportunities waiting for you. While giving peers a chance, give your teachers a chance, too. Even the hardest classes will become bearable at some point, and there's so much more that you can learn from teachers outside of Math or English.
Make it a habit to forgive and forget easily. Your parents are just looking out for you and your teacher knows you have potential. Forgive yourself, too. You're still a kid, and that's okay! Kick off your shoes, grab a juice box, and enjoy the ride.
