No matter what age you are, you will always look back and think about how you might have done things differently if you could go back in time. But luckily, the class of 2024 has your back. Keeping in mind all of the embarrassing things they did, or moments they missed, here is some advice for the underclassman from your favorite senior class.
Don’t take AP classes:
AP classes are extremely difficult. Not only do you have to worry about keeping your grade up in the class itself but you must retain the information you learn in that class for the AP test at the end of the year. Now, I’m not saying that you should avoid the AP classes by all means, but if you don’t need to take one, don’t; Unless you are trying to get college credits that apply outside of Colorado or surrounding yourself with a curriculum similar to an interest outside of high school, there’s no real need to take an AP class. Instead, why not take a CCA class? With semester-long classes, classes three days of a week, and no huge tests required to get college credit, CCA is your best friend and is a good alternative to AP classes. In CCA we trust.
Stay in your lane:
Wonder why the halls are so packed? That’s because some couple or group of friends decided that the middle of the hall is the best place to stop and talk. Everyone hates these people, please don’t be them. Keep the flow of traffic going, don’t go on the left side unless you truly see an opening for you to pass through. Take this as practice for when you’re driving, stay on the right side, don’t swerve, and most importantly, stay in your own lane.
Don’t follow trends:
Trends come and go, especially in the new age of the internet and social media. Including everything from clothes, shoes, activities, and even slang. Don’t be sheep. It’s boring and you look like a follower. By just being yourself and not falling victim to trends, you actually look cooler. It also can save you money and the embarrassment from when that trend inevitably dies and you’re stuck with the consequences. Let me give you some examples of some of the stupid trends people followed: the devious licks, smoking whatever is popular now, and even just pulling out your phone to record anything that might be out of the ordinary. All these are just so stupid and it’s proven they die just as quick as they appear.
You are not the main character:
You know those posts that say, “Live your best life, you’re the main character in your life.” That doesn’t apply in high school. We are all in this weird point of time where we are figuring out who we want to be and no one needs you to get in their way. You don’t run things here, no one does. You can’t act like there’s no one else in the world. Enjoy yourself in high school and do whatever you want but don’t try to put others down to lift yourself up. That’s not right and you will be humbled as soon as you step into the real world.
Get to know your teachers:
There’s a ton of benefits that come from being friends with your teachers that a ton of people normally skip out on. Teachers you have a good relationship with tend to be more understanding if a problem comes up. If you’re struggling with something either inside or outside of school, they can help you. They are a great source of advice and knowledge. When you’re searching for a job or even applying to college and in need of a letter of recommendation, you could go to them and they are more likely to give you one. Teachers are people too, treat them like it. You’re here for 4 years, get to know your teachers.
Be Open Minded:
Yes, it sounds cliché, but it really is true! Everyone tells you to take as many classes and join as many clubs as you can, and they really mean it! How are you supposed to know what you like or don’t like if you don’t try? And don’t get me wrong, it can be extremely intimidating trying to put yourself out there, but if you keep an open mind, and have an optimistic mindset, you will find so many things you enjoy, and meet new people who enjoy the same things that you do!
Don’t Procrastinate:
High School is hard enough, do you really want to put more stress on yourself by not doing your work in a timely manner? Trust me, staying on top of everything is super beneficial once you get the hang of it. And teachers know that you have a life outside of school, they are actually very understanding–if they know what’s going on. You also have to keep in mind that your teachers cannot read your mind. If you are struggling or falling behind, you have to communicate that with your teachers, and they will be way more willing to help you if they know you are actively putting in the effort to try and complete things efficiently and correctly.
Do College Stuff Early:
College, even for current seniors, still feels like it is ages away. But honestly, the time you spend in high school will fly by! Before you know it, counselors will be telling you Colorado Free App day is in a week and you haven’t even made a Common Application account. Now obviously, you can’t start filling out college applications until your senior year, but you can still knock a lot of things out of the way before you even start it. For instance, you can start thinking about your personal essays, and look into the prompts you would want to write about. Taking time to write 650 words in your junior year will really help you in the long run. Not only can you do things prior to applying to colleges, but you can also get a jump on the actual application process, scholarships, and FAFSA. If you keep yourself on a deadline and finish everything way before they are due, you will be extremely thankful that you aren’t stressed trying to complete a million things at once.
Don’t Focus on Relationships:
Grease, 10 Things I Hate About You, and even Twilight display this unachievable high school sweetheart relationship. And while it can be fun to daydream and have fun little crushes, it shouldn’t be something that consumes your whole high school experience. You are here to learn, and grow as an individual person while finding your own group of friends. Jumping into a long term relationship–especially within the first two years of high school–can be damaging and put a damper on your whole high school life. Like previously mentioned, it is okay, and definitely normal to have a crush and be curious about relationships, but don’t let it completely consume your life. Focus on your school work, and going to football games with your friends instead. Not to mention, the chances of a life long relationship happening when you are 15 years old is slim, while many friendships last all the way from middle school to your mid 40’s.
Good Hygiene:
This sentence feels like common sense, but in reality teenagers need a reminder sometimes. Hygiene is incredibly important for everyone. You want to present yourself in a neat, clean way. And it doesn’t just happen, you have to put in the work to smell and look good. Which means brush your teeth, apply deodorant, and take showers regularly. Don’t get me wrong, things happen. You woke up late and can’t shower, or you forgot to put on deodorant–stuff happens. But the important thing is that you need to make a conscious effort to keep your hygiene healthy.
High school can be hard to maneuver but with the advice from the seniors of 2024, you can get through it without making the mistakes we did. Good luck Raiders!
