Why High School Wasn't "The Best Four Years of my Life" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why High School Wasn't "The Best Four Years of my Life"

I have experienced more in four months than I ever did in four years

32581
Why High School Wasn't "The Best Four Years of my Life"
Kati Carlson

“High school will be the best four years of your life”. We are told this our entire lives. When we are young we look forward to high school for years. We see this portrayal of what high school is like from movies and TV shows and can’t wait to experience it for ourselves.

Then finally we do get to experience it for ourselves. I loved high school. Don’t get me wrong, like everyone else there were definitely parts of it I hated. I hated the forced friendships and unnecessary drama. I hated that everyone knew your business and people thrived off spreading rumors and gossip. We discover for ourselves that it’s not how we expect it to be. People can be mean and nasty. You are probably never going to go to a wild party like the ones in movies. You actually do have classes and don’t just spend the whole day talking to friends during passing period (crazy, right?).

Other than the obvious things we all hated about high school, I still enjoyed it. Things were easy. We could see our best friends every day and we only lived 5 minutes away from each other. Our parents cooked us dinner (most) nights. Classes were easy (for the most part). We got to go to football games and cheer for our friends and get all dressed up and go to school dances. By the time graduation came around, part of me was sad to be leaving. I was going to miss my friends and family and the comfort of my hometown. I was going to miss Friday night football and Saturday night sleepovers with my girlfriends. I was going to miss how close I was with my teachers that I had been with for the past four years. I was excited for college but I knew I was going to miss the simplicity and ease of high school.

I am now one semester into my first year of college and I am happy to say that I already know high school was not the best four years of my life. I have already experienced so much more in four months than I ever did in four years. I have met more people and made more genuine, close friendships. I’ve learned so much more about myself and others (including people who I thought I knew everything about in high school). I’ve grown more as a person and become more mature and independent.

Yeah, college is not easy. Classes are harder, schedules are busy, and you must do everything for yourself. Your mom isn’t living down the hall to make sure you wake up for class and have dinner ready for you when you get home. But the fact that it is a challenge is what makes it so much better. I thought I was going to miss high school but I don’t. I still liked it and I appreciate the fun times I had with my lifelong friends, but I wouldn’t ever want to do it all over again. I am already sad about how fast this first semester went by because I know these next four years are going to fly. I want to appreciate every second of it because I love it here. I love living with my best friend. I love having freedom. I love meeting new people every day and never being forced to see the same people all the time. I love not feeling the need to be fake friends with someone who I don’t like all that much. I love being able to take naps whenever/wherever I please and go to class looking like a hobo without the fear of being judged.

Most importantly, I love the person I am becoming. I am so excited for my future and where it is already taking me. I want to soak in every second of the whole experience. I am so happy that I am no longer trapped in the same place doing the same monotonous routine every day. Yeah high school was fun, but I will never consider it “the best four years of my life”.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22292
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9340
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6751
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5815
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments