As a senior who recently graduated, here are some of the things that I have learned from high school.
1. Learn as much as you can. This doesn’t even have to be academic. Random talents, like reciting the alphabet backwards or performing magic tricks, are great conversation starters.
2. Staying committed to your values and identity can be difficult, but it's worth it.
3. Do NOT pull multiple all-nighters. Your health is worth more than getting a bad grade on one assignment or test.
4. It's okay not to be happy 24/7. Some days you just need to relax and take some time for yourself.
5. Be brave and learn how to flush toilets for other people instead of immediately fleeing the scene
6. Less can be more. I dropped some of my commitments junior year. I stopped Network and cut back on piano to focus on sports and other clubs. What was the result? I had more time to develop myself and focus on the things I truly care about, like volunteering and spending time with my family.
7. Live to polarize! Ask a stranger to hang out, tell that joke in class. Life's too short, and it’s no fun when you stay in the neutral zone.
8. It's OK to fail. I lost the BYC election as a junior and tripped on the first move of my figure skating test. Failure means you've tried. It's really nothing more than life giving you another opportunity.
9. Be yourself. This can be extremely difficult in high school with its social expectations and unwritten rules. For instance, if you are completely into music but the “cool” kids aren’t and think you are wasting your time practicing for long hours, keep doing what you’re doing and what makes you happy. Sure, you may lose many “friends,” but in the end, the right people who love and support you will enter your life.
10. Remember to challenge yourself, both academically and personally, but HAVE FUN!!
