As my time at Badin is coming to a close, I’ve done some reflecting on the four years I have spent here. The saying goes that hindsight is 20/20, which is true. We all would act differently from time to time if we already knew the results before we acted. In the spirit of that thinking, I decided to make a list of things that I would tell my freshman year self.

1. Stop listening to people telling you that high school goes fast

I’m not disagreeing with these people, because they are right. My time at Badin has flown by. But consistently you’ll have people telling how fast this time goes, or they’ll ask if you can believe that it’s almost over. Stop listening to them. Instead of thinking about the past, or how little of the future is left, just enjoy the moment and forget about how much time may be left.

2. Just do it

I know I’m ripping off Nike with this one, but just do it. When you are given an opportunity, do it. If you’re getting pushed out of your comfort zone, do it. Go to the football game. Try that new service opportunity. There is nothing that I have participated in at Badin that I have regretted, but there are certainly opportunities that I wish I would’ve taken. Don’t have any what-if’s once your time at Badin is over.

3. Eating an absurd amount of Dollar Day wraps isn’t worth it

Don’t get me wrong, the wraps on Dollar Day are very good. And, it’s pretty easy to put quite a few down. Even with that being true, the few moments of glory felt after devouring your 6th wrap of the day do not compare to the feeling in your stomach the periods after. Trust me, it’s not worth it.

4. Don’t lose your badge, it’ll make life so much easier

Of all of the annoying announcements and comments that you hear through the halls, “Where’s your badge?’” has to be at the top of the list. Although it may seem trivial, just do it. Find a spot and keep it there. Be consistent. There are plenty of things in high school and in life that may seem insignificant, but being consistent in all that you do speaks volumes about you. Also, $10 per replacement badge can add up (spoken from someone on their third replacement badge).

5. Maintaining healthy relationships is the most important thing you’ll do

Keeping up with your schoolwork is very important. Doing homework is very important. Working hard at your sports/extracurriculars is very important. And it’s okay to want to be the best and strive for your goals academically/athletically. But those goals must not come at expense of the relationships you form. The friends that you make these four years will last long past the grades on your final transcript or your batting average your senior year.

6. Walking past someone in the hallway isn’t as awkward as you think

I know you’ve experienced this situation before: you’re walking back to class from the bathroom, and as you look down the hall, you see someone walking towards you. You realize you don’t know the person very well, and the tension begins to build as you both begin to look anywhere besides the other’s direction. Instead of doing that, smile. Say hi. A smile can go a long way. It’s never awkward to show someone a little bit of kindness.

7. It’s not that deep

I don’t think you’ve heard Brad Paisley’s song “Letter to Me” yet, but you should check it out. In the song he admits, “But I know at seventeen it’s hard to see past Friday night.” Everything in high school seems like it’s the end-of-the-world, and every decision you make seems as if it’s life-altering. It’s not. I know you probably don’t believe me, and I understand why you don’t. However, when you too start to approach graduation, I’ll be the first to say “I told you so.” Just enjoy your time in high school, and try not to stress. I know it’s easier said than done.

As I write my final piece in three years of writing for The Badin Banner, I wonder where the time has gone. I’ve been so lucky to go to a great school and make so many great friends. My time at Badin and writing for The Badin Banner has been one I won’t forget. However, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead. The best is always yet to come.