As a senior in high school, it’s so interesting to me to look back at the memories I’ve made and how I’ve grown over these past four years. I’ve been so fortunate to have amazing experiences with friends and family from Friday night football games to a “night under the stars” at Prom. Everything, including the hard times, has shaped me into the person I am today with lessons learned, mistakes made, and memories that will last a lifetime. So, for any rising freshman or current high school student, here is a list of my top ten absolute must-dos before you graduate.
1. Go to a football game and cheer with the student section!
Even if you don’t like the big crowds or you’re nervous that you won’t fit in with a crazy outfit in the student section, getting a group of friends together to go to the game and cheer on your team is so much fun. Not only do you get to wear face paint and do funny cheers, but it makes you feel as if you’re a part of the school. Don’t miss out because once you graduate, you’ll never be able to feel so connected to your school and your fellow classmates as when you’re all rooting together for your team.
2. Join a club (and actually show up)
My freshman year, I joined two clubs and never showed up to either of them because I was too nervous that I wouldn’t know anyone there. By Junior year, I finally joined Global Ambassadors club and became an active member, even becoming the Secretary. Not only does this look great on college applications, but I made new friends within my school and from a high school in Hungary! In fact, the student I hosted from Hungary and I still keep in touch today.
3. Go to as many dances as you can
Yes, you will definitely hear “don’t go to homecoming or prom they’re so boring,” but they’re really not. Just like with the football games, you only get a few chances to be apart of something so memorable, and after you graduate, you’ll never have those opportunities again. It’s also a great way to spend time with friends and the pictures are ones you’ll keep and cherish forever.
4. Get a job
After a lot of persuading on my part, I finally convinced my parents to let me apply for a job. It’s not that I really wanted one, because I did understand that it would take away from lots of my free time, but I thought if I had a job for even just a few months, I could finally start to a feel a little more independent and ready for college. It wasn’t much fun, but I definitely learned the value of hard work and earning my own money, and it was an experience that I would never take back. It also improved my time management and forced me to complete school assignments on time rather than procrastinating. A word of warning though, don’t spend so much time trying to earn money that you never have the time to spend it and enjoy hanging out with your friends. You have the rest of your life to work, so enjoy your free time now!
5. Take advantage of your metabolism
You will most likely never be as skinny or be able to eat as much as you can now without gaining an ounce, so take advantage. Once you get to college, late night snacks and daily McDonald’s runs will not be so much fun anymore once your body decides to stop being so forgiving. Try and start working on your healthy habits now, but don’t get so hung up on an eating a donut (or two).
6. Take a road trip, but only with your friends
This one is more so aimed at upperclassmen once you’ve gotten your license, and maybe even your first car. The first week after I got my license I took all my friends on a mini road trip on a Saturday, driving anywhere we felt like in the moment. We had so much fun and it felt amazing to finally not have a parent in the car.
7. Try something you think you will fail at
Trying something new is hard enough, but trying something you know you will be bad at is downright scary. My sophomore year of high school, my chemistry teacher, who was also the tennis coach, convinced me to tryout for the tennis team. I had played tennis a little when I was younger, but I knew ahead of time I would be one of the worst players trying out. When tryouts came around, I was right. I was number 11 of 14 girls on the team and I often embarrassed myself because I could barely hit the ball. This year, as a senior, I am the number one player on the team and I’m super excited for the season to begin. If I had never gone out for team just because I knew I wouldn't be good, I never would have achieved what I have in tennis today, or formed such great friendships.
8. Support the fine arts
It wasn’t until I took orchestra in ninth grade and theatre in tenth and eleventh that I appreciated the talent and hard work that goes into the fine arts department in a high school. Sure, I had taken fine arts classes since preschool, but the time and dedication that goes into high school arts is unlike anything else. At least once in your time here it is imperative that you go to a band, orchestra, or chorus concert and once you attend one of the many theatre productions, you’ll want to be at every single one after. The actors, singers, and other participants spend hours upon hours perfecting their craft (and spending money) to put on these grand shows that reach almost professional levels. If you’ve ever played a sport and had to go to practice every single day after school and maybe a couple Saturdays every now and then, try doubling that time and you’ll have spent about the same amount of time as these students do practicing before shows. So give back and show your appreciation for all of their hard work! Also, don’t skip school the day before winter break because it’s the day of the Holiday Concert. So many students and faculty work on that production for weeks, and you’ll always be surprised by the immense talents your fellow classmates have that you never would have seen otherwise.
9. Spend time with your parents
Yes, you may think you’re already ready for college and ready to get out of the house to be on your own, but once you leave for college, you’ll start to notice how much your parents have done for you over the years. Believe me, my sister left for college this year thinking it’d be so great to be away from our parents for a little while, but now she calls them almost every single day. They’re a support system like no other and stand with you no matter what you go through or what mistakes you make. They’re invaluable friends because not only do they lift you up and push you to accomplish your goals and dreams, but they’ll call you out when you’re in the wrong. Also, take advantage of those home cooked meals now and go easy on the ramen noodles; there will be plenty of that in college!
10. Find something to leave behind
I left this point for the end because it’s by far the most important to me. Leaving your mark on the world is something you hear often, but it’s easier said than done. I like to think that the first step to leaving your mark on the world can begin by leaving something behind in your high school or community now that you’d be proud to show your kids and grandkids someday. I love going back to my dad’s high school with him and seeing old photos and trophies on the wall of him and his friends, and I hope I’ll be able to do the same with my children someday. Get involved however you can and in whatever you’re passionate about, and if you don’t know, try anything and everything until you find out. Whether that be chorus, drama, art, running, volleyball, football, partners club, green club, writing center, or anything else, the opportunities high school provides are endless, and just waiting to be discovered.
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