The end of a momentous year calls for a deep breath; the senior class is at the final steps of their high school career, and as the excitement settles in our stomachs, a cool voice of reflection whispers in the corner of our minds. To consider what we have learned and experienced is tough, a mix of bittersweet nostalgia and relief of past challenges being now behind us. In general, though, we’re ready to get out of here.
Regardless, we cannot totally block this quiet voice of reflection, calling us to look back. What we have learned in high school has made it possible for us to move forward at all, into a new era filled with worldly possibilities. So, let us share some advice for being a high schooler. Allow us to consider the valuable lessons we’ve been taught, in the hopes of providing comfort to rising seniors and underclassmen. I’d say we know what we’re talking about. And as always, take advice with a grain of your preference.
“Get things done to the best of your ability. Don't worry what will happen next. Everything will fit into its right place eventually.”
-Anonymous
“Study hard. Stay calm in every situation.”
-Anonymous
“Always keep thinking of your future. In the moment, things can sound hard, but keep going and think about how the hard work will pay off.”
-Kat S.
“Wake up at 5:00 a.m. and skip your medicine so you feel nauseous all day. If you don't have diabetes by your senior year you haven't lived. Do with this what you will.”
-Kate B.
“Take AP classes. I regret not taking them every year. There's no point not to.”
-Tiberius F.
“Try until your senior year, then have fun.”
-Soren L.
“Try and find a way to make the classes you take fun and interesting to you. Even if it means doing extra work , it'll still be more worth it to do work that you're passionate about.”
-Aria R.
“Pace yourself academically so you can explore your interests outside of school. Pursue those interests relentlessly.”
-Garrick C.
“I know there's a lot of academic pressure, but you need to maintain your friendships and be open to love. Don't let academics get in the way of your personal relationships with others.”
-Ingrid A.
“Try hard and don't stress out when you get rejected from a school. Don’t care about rejection, you're gonna be fine.”
-Daryl L.
“Make a box and keep the things that represent what you've done over the years, like programs for chapel, senior assassin goggles, and other fun things."
-Anonymous
“People are less scary than you think, so you should approach them.”
-Siya B.
“Don't procrastinate.”
-Xavier B.
“Don’t be afraid to be weak. Don’t be too proud to be strong.”
-Anonymous
“Not every disagreement with friends has to be a confrontation. You can have controlled conflicts. Not all arguments are necessary.”
-Maddie S.
“Senior year will end before you know it, so take advantage of the time you have left with your peers. Of course, keep up with your assignments, be responsible (especially with pastorals) but don’t forget that it’s your final year of high school! Have fun! Even though it may not feel like it right now, you’ll miss it when it’s gone.”
-Emelly D.
“Protect your mental health and rest when needed. Burning yourself out isn’t worth it.”
-Lyana W.
“Updog”
-Anonymous
“Focus on what you like and try to make it worth it. Might as well do something you like.”
-Amelia R.
“Just do it.”
-Anonymous
“Do your college applications earlier. Fill out Common App stuff early.”
-Clarisse I.
“Appreciate your time here. It goes by fast. Remember everything good that's happened.”
-Claire S.
Sckolher Berry