By: Maansi Maskai
As a senior looking back on my past three years of high school, there are some things which I wish I had done differently. I regret taking some classes when I did, and I really do wish I had become with clubs before junior year. Here are some pieces of wisdom I have accumulated in my time so far at MHS.
- Try something new! Come out of your comfort zone!
Branch out! As cliche as it sounds, it’s a necessary aspect of establishing your roots in high school. Join clubs or other school activities that cater to your interests. Stay committed to them. They are the best way to meet new people and expand your horizons. If something is not what you expected it to be, move on! Try something new, until you find something that you love. Don’t wait to do this in junior or senior year. Establish yourself and show commitment.
- Initiate relationships with the adult.
Yes, it may be difficult to approach an adult with some semblance of authority, but trust me, it does pay off. Teachers, counselors, and other support staff are there to enhance your high school experience. By forging meaningful, personal relationships with them early on in your high school career, you can ensure that you have an adult in your corner when necessity arises. Additionally, if you intend to seek a recommendation from some of these adults, they can write a more personal, in depth recommendation letter since they know you personally.
- Establish balance.
To have a successful, but enjoyable high school experience, it is extremely crucial to establish a sense of balance. Everyone may have slightly varying priorities, but it is necessary to find what strategy works for you. Allocate your time, and fully use your resources. Resources such as the Internet, the library, teachers, and peers are all there to help you. Create a to-do list or use a planner to manage your tasks and priorities. Trust me, it does help and greatly reduces the chances of forgetting something important. Check off things as you complete them to give yourself a sense of accomplishment, and make sure to take short breaks in between. By balancing leisure with productivity, you will be able to work longer and more efficiently.