Through four years of high school, I’ve learned a lot. I’m not just talking about how the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell either. If you have the fortune (or misfortune, depending on how you want to look at it) of retuning to Campolindo next fall, consider the following nuggets of wisdom.
Talk back to challenging teachers. You need to share your voice, and they actually do want to hear it. You need to stick to your guns and have honest, regular conversations with your more “difficult” teachers. In the end, you’ll gain vital experience with adults (and honestly, a better grade.)
As you become an upperclassmen, you’ll start daydreaming about the future, and for the first time ever, realize that you make your own future. Work the system. Form study groups where you swap notes, as teamwork is essential if you want to survive an overloaded academic schedule. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for deadline extensions. Additionally, study for your SATs. Sign up for the ACT too, because you never know what kind of score you might get. I got a perfect score on the English section… yet still inexplicably have an 83% in my AP English class. Go figure.
Explore new ideas, branch out from your social group, and check out a variety of classes and extra-curriculars, but not because other people expect it of you. (Yeah, that’s an ironic statement.)
Once you get your license, don’t push the boundaries. If you parents forbid you to drive your friends until you’re legally allowed to at 17, you shouldn’t. You will be caught at the Rheem intersection the first time you do it. Trust me on this one.
Respect your parents’ rules. Maybe Susan’s mom lets her stay out until 4am on a Friday night (Saturday morning), but your mom is really just concerned about your safety.
Go to prom and ball. I almost didn’t go to prom last year, and I’m so glad I did. You’ll regret it if you don’t. (And seriously, don’t pull the I’m-a-rebel-who-doesn’t-do-school-sponsored-events thing.) Even if you’re set up with someone random who you barely talk to, it’s worth it. Or go stag! You do you.
Don’t get caught up in the plans other people are making. Be your own guide when it comes to determining where you are headed after high school. I never expected to end up at the University of Oregon. It was my ultimate safety school. Then I researched the journalism program, as well as the rest of what it had to offer. I spent a night on campus with a friend who already attends, and fell head-over-heels in love with it. I never saw it coming. Conversely, you should respect other folks’ post high school plans, whatever they may be.
Lastly, you must be ambitious. Always challenge yourself. Whatever path you choose to walk, commit to it. It’s worth it.
