1. Keep your mind open to future career options. This is something I did not really do and would definitely do if I could go back in time. Ever since kindergarten, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. So much so that I would take extra copies of worksheets home and play pretend school. All the way up until senior year, my mind was fixated upon that one career. This past year, things changed and I began to investigate other (yet similar) careers. That is when becoming a physics teacher became my plan. A special thanks to my high school physics teacher for introducing me to the idea, as well as my gifted project (working in a second grade classroom) for reinforcing the change in plans. Additionally, I realized that physics was something that clicked with me and being a teacher of the subject would help me reach higher positions in the field of education. Long story short: make yourself open to a variety of career options until you find the one perfect for you.
2. Get involved. There's probably many people or sites out there that tell you this same exact tip, but it cannot be overlooked. Getting involved in high school, especially in the music department, allowed me to create so many memories and friendships. If it weren't for the music department, I would not have made lifelong friendships or have been able to march down Main Street and sing in Disney! Getting involved helps break up the boring, monotonous routine of getting up, going to school, coming home, doing homework, going to bed, and doing it all again the next day. Becoming involved adds excitement and novelty to a rather repetitive schedule. Being involved can also enhance performance in the classroom. I read here that, "A higher percentage of music participants received As, As/Bs, and Bs than non-music participants." (And some people want to cut music/art programs?? Crazy!) And of course, involvement goes beyond musical groups and includes clubs, sports, and outside-of-school activities.
3. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. In high there are many opportunities to explore your passions and add to your high school experience. If one comes your way, take advantage of it, even if at first it seems new or frightening. After all, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take! During my senior year, I was selected to participate in our state senator's Model Senate program, through which high school students in my area got together to formulate, debate, and vote on policy. It was definitely a new experience and was very nerve-racking as I looked around at all these high schoolers who were fiercely passionate about their political beliefs. And even though I had to debate with and speak in front of all of these students, (something I was very hesitant about), it was an eye-opening experience into the world of politics that will stay with me for a long time. So make sure to take advantage of each opportunity, for you never know what you could take away from them!
4. Don't be afraid to stand out. As Dr. Seuss famously stated, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" In high school (and pretty much for the rest of your life), society will always define a "cool" thing to be or a "cool" thing to do, which is complete and utter nonsense. Don't let people tell you that you need to act or look a certain way in order to be deemed "cool." Better yet, don't let your own self tell you that you are less than best because you don't do what the "populars" do! Each of us were fearfully and wonderfully made to be our own, unique, and individual self. So don't fall under the influence of peer pressure, telling you that you have go to parties and drink alcohol or that you have to have so many followers on social media. Be yourself! If you want to stay inside all night and study, do it!We were all made for a unique purpose--don't let that purpose become obscured by trying to do the "cool" thing!
5. Have fun. Of course this is cliché and everyone tells you to have fun, but just as before, it cannot be overlooked! You'll meet some of your lifelong friends in high school and before you know it, you'll all be going your own separate ways. Therefore, make the most of the time you have together! Hang out whenever you can. (I personally enjoy meeting up at Applebee's for half-price apps--who doesn't love friends and food?!) Don't take things too seriously that you forget to have fun along the way--even though grades and schooling should be taken very seriously--find a balance!
High school is truly what you what you make it--so make it the best it can be! Hope these lessons help! :)
Sincerely,
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