Dear Underclassman,
It is rare for me to address you personally in an editorial, but as I sit down to write such an emotional letter, I am compelled to share my heartfelt thoughts – from me, alone. I cannot pretend to be wise: I still feel like a kid, and I think I have sufficiently stumbled my way through high school. But I have learned a few things in my time here, and I’d like to share them with you now in the hopes of easing your journey just a little bit.
On friendships…
One of my deepest regrets in high school is my resistance to venture beyond my familiar circle. While I have cherished being in a group of like-minded people, I wish I had more often branched out. Now, I find myself yearning for more time to make new friendships. Each time I have enjoyed a conversation with a distant classmate, I have resolved to build a friendship with them “next year.” Then I realize that for me, there is no “next year” here.
I wasted too much time carrying middle school grudges and criticizing my classmates for their friends, their grades, or their younger selves. I realize only now that it is a gift to know people who grew up alongside me. Many of us here are connected by the childhood memories we share, and that is a special bond that we will seldom find after high school.
Don’t drift too far from those rare friends who shaped you in your youth, and don’t be afraid to reach out and form new connections. Strike up conversations with people whom you wouldn’t ordinarily interact with. At worst, it might be an awkward interaction – nothing changes, and you remain acquaintances. But by stepping outside your comfort zone, you have the potential to form an extraordinary new friendship.
On class scheduling…
Take risks! Some of the best classes I’ve taken have been the ones I’ve chosen on a whim. Sophomore year, I took ceramics despite my artistic ineptitude. I loved having a sanctuary for creativity, free from the expectation of impressing classmates or colleges. For an hour each day, I could let my worries drift away as I listened to music and played with clay. Perhaps ceramics was an odd blip on my transcript, but it was an important therapeutic outlet. Releasing tension made me more successful in every other academic field.
It’s important to challenge yourself with classes that align with your college aspirations, but find a wild card class that brings you joy. High school is your only chance to explore broadly and take the fun stuff without paying hundreds of dollars for a credit. Make the most of that opportunity.
On extracurriculars…
I understand the impulse to meticulously curate your resume for college applications, but instead of cherry-picking activities to paint a specific picture, pursue as many of your passions as you can. They may be different, but they are connected by the fact that they are interesting to you. In the end, they’ll come together to tell a story.
On growing up…
This is as much a reminder to myself as it is advice to you: Growing up does not have to mean letting go of our inner child. Life can be difficult and overwhelming, but it is more bearable when we allow ourselves to embrace the simplicity of childhood.
Stomp in puddles. Wish upon eyelashes and dandelions and shooting stars. Walk barefoot. Run through rainstorms. Tell people when you love them. Belly laugh. Order a Shirley Temple. Sing in public. Ask your crush on a date (what’s the worst that happens?!). Hug your friends. Chase the ice cream truck. Make art. Skip. Love fiercely and forgive easily.
With love,
Talia Reiss
Editor-in-Chief