As the final quarter of high school unfolds, I look back on my experiences with both gratitude and satisfaction. These past four years have been filled with burningly embarrassing moments, mistakes, but most importantly, unforgettable memories. This being one of my final articles for the Abingtonian, I thought that it would be fitting to share some of my biggest tips to underclassmen to help them have a positive experience!
- Choose classes that interest YOU
Nowadays, many people tend to pursue the most advanced or difficult classes to raise their GPA or appear more competitive for college. As someone who did just that and found myself highly unhappy in a few of those courses, I’ve learned how important it is to put yourself and your happiness first. Don’t choose a class because it is academically grueling; choose it because it will both benefit you and genuinely interest you. Doing so will ultimately give you much more energy to focus on what fascinates you and participate in activities/projects that are actually relevant to your future.
- Start getting an idea of what you wish to do after high school early
When I was a freshman, I recall being completely overwhelmed with people expecting me to know exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life at thirteen years old. While I do think it is a lot of pressure to put on a child, it is so important to instead advise underclassmen to keep an open mind and simply think about what subjects interest them. By fostering intellectual curiosity early in high school, underclassmen can explore different avenues of interest later on and discover what does/doesn’t work for them without having to decide at the last minute. This also allows them to focus on participating in activities that appeal to them and are applicable to their future– something that not only benefits them personally, but also looks impressive to college admissions officers.
- Do NOT procrastinate studying for exams
Regardless of which exam you are taking (SAT, ACT, AP, Midterms, Finals, etc.), I highly recommend getting a head start on studying. I’ve certainly faced the consequences after procrastinating a few times throughout high school, and although staying up late and waking up early to study may offset some of the time I lost, it put me under a great deal of stress that could have easily been avoided. One of my favorite ways to study for STEM subjects efficiently is learning concepts through videos by The Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube, and then practicing those concepts on Khan Academy. For English, do not wait until the last minute to do your reading!
- Make an effort to meet new people
In high school, you are virtually guaranteed not to have the same schedule as your friends, even if you end up taking the same classes. Though it can initially seem scary, meeting new people and trying to make friends is one of the best things you can do to avoid becoming closed-minded. In the context of Abington, your friends are the ones who will join the club you’re too scared of walking into alone, help you with a concept if you’re afraid to ask about, and attend football games and dances with you. On the same note, many friendships will naturally drift apart over time with the many changes that high school brings, which is why meeting new people is so important to ensure you’re not alone throughout this stage of your life.
Overall, I want to remind any underclassmen that high school is not a linear progression. There will be obstacles along the way, and much of it is, truthfully, trial and error. Being able to overcome these challenges is what prepares you for the rest of your life, so stay focused, motivated, and adaptable.
