I never thought it would come this fast, but here I am. The end of my high school career. It’s so weird, because I could’ve sworn yesterday I was just in kindergarten thinking high school was something that would happen in 100 years, but I’m here now finishing my senior year.
My high school career was honestly a whirlwind of testing out and trying new subjects and seeing what my passion is for my future. I didn’t have the typical, ‘perfect’ planned out schedule for all of my four years.
My freshman year, I indulged in dance and the Intro to Engineering Design class.
Then my sophomore year, I signed up for English 10 Honors and Food Science. I learned how to properly cut onions at 15 years old!
For my junior year, I finally decided to nurse my artistic talents in Advanced Drawing and Painting while also studying AP Art History. Did you know the earliest form of art found came from cave art from 45,000 years ago?
And here I am, a first-year staff writer with The Arcadia Quill which honestly convinced me to pursue a side hustle in journalism in college.
But still, even as a senior, I don’t know what’s in store for me in the future. I was planning to become an architect and study that in college, but now I’m leaning towards an economics degree to potentially also attend law school. But now that you’ve read a little about me, I’m going to give you the advice I wish I heard when I started my high school career at AHS.
- Take those ‘weird’ electives!
I know you’re expected to have that list of classes you need to attend that school with an acceptance rate of 4%, but you’re also allowed to satisfy yourself with the classes that you know you’ll enjoy. Take that ceramics class and make all sorts of vases and bowls to take home. Or start your theater career through Beginning Theater Arts. Fuel your happiness with the things you will know you will enjoy! Do not let all of your classes be a thing you dread every day.
- Ask at least one question in one of your classes every week!
Just like every other incoming high schooler, I was terrified to participate. I never had that person to push me into a place where I wanted to actually raise my hand and speak out loud. But taking Spanish 1 and being forced to participate and speak in a different language every day changed my stance on publicly speaking. Not only did it improve those skills, it also allowed me to gain new information the teacher or the class hadn’t thought of mentioning.
- Finally, find that one teacher and make them your friend!
We all watch movies and see kids make their teachers their allies which could seem unrealistic to some. But honestly, if you find that one teacher you relate to and find actually enjoyable, branch out your social skills and be their friend. I would consider mine to be my freshman year English teacher, Mr. Woodin. His class was one of my favorites because he actually made the reading and work enjoyable, but he also got to know his students on a casual level that made me feel more comfortable and joyful. Reach out and have a conversation about the things you learn in class and sit down with your teacher at lunch! It’ll mean the most for your future.
Now that you have read my pieces of advice, I strongly hope and wish you take it into account because if I learned these three things, I would have been much more comfortable and cheerful in a new environment. Thank you AHS for a great 4 years and for preparing me well for my future. Signing off.
