2020 was a year the whole world will remember…from the crazy pandemic to an interesting presidential election to the rise in popularity of the “Renegade” on TikTok. For me and my peers, however, there was one more significant event: our first year of high school.

As the oldest sister to three younger brothers who will become--or already are-- students at AHS, I know they’ll need some advice as they go through high school. In fact, this entire article is inspired by my brother, Luke, who is currently in high school, and who, without a doubt, needed to hear all of this advice. This got me thinking about the hundreds of other people who will be in that same helpless place. So, I decided to create a little guide for all of them! Here it is :)

Academics

Courtesy of Google

The rigor and challenge of courses are going to be a wake-up call. Even if you breezed through middle school, studying is likely going to be a necessity for success. On this, you are going to need to figure out what your study method is. Whether that be Quizlet, reading the notes aloud to yourself, or drawing all over a whiteboard (my personal favorite), figuring out your most successful technique will get you so far. You’re going to have to engage your brain to retain the information; not just look at the words and hope for the best. College seems so far, I know, but I promise your grades even as a freshman matter. Figuring out your level of learning is essential. Then, pushing yourself to exceed beyond that is key to doing well in your time at AHS.

Extracurriculars

As an involved student here at AHS, I can confidently say that joining clubs and sports is the best thing you can do for yourself. I was a part of the volleyball program for all 4 years of high school. Beyond just becoming a better player, I made connections and memories with people that will last me a lifetime. Now, sports are not for everyone. There is a cornucopia of clubs at our school. Honestly, there is a good chance you can find a group for any single one of your interests. Personally, I joined the Student Council, Interact, Drug-Free Club, S.T.A.R.S., and National Honor Society. Student Council, or STUCO, is a popular club. While you’re here, go follow the Instagram account @aurora_student_council. The club essentially organizes events within the school, ranging from homecoming to blood drives. As a member, you will get to have a say in the things that go on in your school. A fan favorite is getting to pick Spirit Week (which we will get into later). I could go on and on about all the different clubs, but you’ll come to learn about them as you get more accustomed to the school. If you go to your class’s Google Classroom, there should be a whole document with every club and its description. I urge you to look at that and get yourself as involved as you can. Putting all of these valuable clubs and service hours on your college application will be the defining piece for you as a candidate. Plus, you get to make so many new friends and memories, all things I’m super grateful to have.

Spirit

My advice to underclassmen

Courtesy of Gabrielle Greenburg (@msrphotography)

As you know, the culture of Aurora is based around our football games. I can guarantee you that attending games in the Student Section will be some of the most fun you’ll have in high school. Every week there is a new theme, which can be found on the X/Twitter handle @GreenmenNation. DO THE THEMES! Not only will you look out of place if you don’t, but it also makes getting ready and going to the games that much more fun. Now, football isn’t the only sport at Aurora. Just about every single sporting program we have is so much fun to watch. Some of these events have themes while others don’t, so keep an eye on X, as well as the team’s social media. Beyond the sports, there are so many things within the school you can do to show your spirit. As aforementioned, Spirit Week is such a fun time at AHS. The week leading up to homecoming, each day has a specific theme, picked by STUCO. We’ve had days like Decade Day (a typical favorite), Jersey Day, Class Color, etc. Later on in the year, there is Spring Fling, where STUCO also picks whether to have Spirit Week and its themes. Furthermore, there are more ways to show spirit than just what you wear. During homecoming week, each class decorates their designated hallway to the theme of the dance. Then, on the day of the dance, students and teachers help decorate the gymnasium and commons. Making your school the best it can be is absolutely a reflection of spirit, and will get you service hours. That’s a win-win.

Relationships

For this final topic, I’m going to touch on the variety of relationships you can have: with friends, teachers, romantic, and yourself. First, high school is a time of change, and that includes even your bestest friends from middle school. Most people go into high school with a group of friends that they don’t necessarily come out with…and that’s okay! Growth is good, and that sometimes means apart. With that, don’t grow the wrong way. Losing sight of your morals and true personality is simply not worth it. The people that are meant to be in your life will love you for you, and that’s that. If people are treating you poorly, ignore them and “kill” them with kindness. Remind yourself: if they’re talking about you behind your back, they’re already behind you! They should be a shoulder to cry on, not who you’re crying about. Next, your relationships with teachers are super important. Treating your teachers with respect and gratitude goes so far. Talking to them, whether that’s raising your hand in class or saying “Hi” in the hallways is an easy and valuable thing to do. The first time I made a strong relationship with a teacher was with Doc Munson, my Honors Chemistry teacher. He has been a person I can look to for guidance since my sophomore year, and is always a friendly face to see in the halls. Since then, I’ve gotten close with numerous teachers, including, but not limited to Mr. Rubin, Mrs. Dirda, and Mrs. Taylor (take Journalism with her--you’ll love it). When you’re applying to college, you need to ask your teachers for letters of recommendation. Creating these relationships with them makes it so much easier for both you to ask, and them to write a glowing letter about you and your character. Third, the seemingly world-defining romantic relationships. If you want to date someone, do it. But make sure it’s a genuinely good human being that meets standards. I know that sounds stupid, but it’s easier said than done. Circling back to what I said about friends, do not lose yourself. The biggest mistake you can make is putting on rose-colored glasses and seeing your significant other do no wrong. Also, if you break up (which, surprise, you probably will), it is not the end of the world. You’re so young, and you’ll grow from it! Yay! Now, finally, the most important--your relationship with yourself. The ages of 14-18 are a lot different in regards to practically everything about yourself. High school gets to be a lot, from academics to extracurriculars to maintaining relationships. Everyone experiences struggles with mental health. Making yourself your #1 priority is so important. We have a bunch of resources here at AHS, from counselors to school therapists, so use them! They’re all so loving and empathetic. When you get home, try to carve out at least a little bit of time to ground yourself. My suggestions are exercising, watching your comfort show, or hanging out with the people you love and who make you feel good about yourself. I’ve mentioned time and time again this whole concept of “not losing yourself,” but this is how you do that. Please listen to your body and take time to understand yourself. You are important, you are loved, and you are worthy.

High school is a big change and can undoubtedly seem very scary, but you’ll walk out of it a new person. I know everyone says it, but it does go by so fast.

My last, and arguably most essential piece of advice is to cherish every moment. The memories you make here are going to stick with you for a lifetime, so make the best of them all. I wish the best of luck to every one of you reading this. You will do great!

Written by Ava McGovern