It's your year to shine. This is one of the best times of your life.
Dear seniors, and any other high school student who may read this,
You are one step closer to graduating. Congratulations! It is really exciting, and I'm proud of you for getting this far. As you head into another year of high school, there are a few things I've learned over my years as a high school student that I'd like to share with you.
1. Get involved.
I know you all hear this all the time. "Come to events! Join a club! Participate!" Hearing those phrases over and over can get annoying, but listen to them. School flat out stinks if you just go to classes and then drive home and eat Cheetos the rest of the day. (Well, that doesn't sound too bad, but you don't wanna spend every afternoon with cheeto covered fingers.) Just be a part of something. It can be a big commitment such as a club or even just attending a football game. Doing things at the school and being surrounded by classmates makes you feel like you are a part of the school. You'll swell with pride for your school and you'll find yourself cheering at football games even if you don't understand what is going on. (i.e. me at every football game I attended.) I know it's scary, I know it can be uncomfortable, but you know what? Look at that picture up there. I was only close friends with two people on that float. Two. But riding that senior float with my classmates was one of the best memories of my senior year. I felt like I was connected with them even though most of us weren't that close of friends.
I also spent a lot of my high school years setting up for dances and decorating the school for events. The only dance I ever went to was Prom, but you know what? I had so much more fun decorating for dances and working the dances than I would have if I had just gone to the dance. I made a lot of memories staying after school getting things ready for the first day, spirit weeks, Homecoming, everything. Those are also some of my favorite memories from high school. I can't tell you how many nights we would all just get delusional at school and end up in laughing fits as we blew up balloons or painted signs. Clubs are just fun and get you connected with people. I made friends with people I never thought I'd be friends with. And you get in free to a lot of school events if you're a part of setting them up. I never paid for a winter formal, football game, or powder puff game because I was always working it. And if you're thinking, "but it's too late now to sign up for anything." If no clubs are taking applications anymore, ask your friends that are in those clubs if you can help them do anything. Or just go to an event and cheer for your school. Bottom line, just be a part of something. School will be much more enjoyable if you're having fun. These days don't last forever, make the most of them.
2. Do something out of your comfort zone.
The only way I can explain this is an example, so I apologize for the story, haha!
I've never felt completely comfortable in front of a crowd, but I had always wanted to do the Prom Fashion Show at school. February came around and sign ups for the show came around. I really wanted to do it but felt really nervous about it. I didn't want to regret not doing it, so I signed up. I was a bit anxious because I knew we had to dance on stage and model our dresses. After a one (yes only one!) night of practice and many nerves later, it was time to perform. This was another situation where I wasn't really close to everyone in the show, so I felt like I'd get kind of ignored a little bit. It was the exact opposite. I found out that everyone else that I thought would be fearless modeling were actually just as, or even more nervous than I was. We all calmed one another down backstage and cheered each other on. We'd watch one another and root for each other backstage and helped each other if we forgot a move or couldn't get the moves right. For a week I felt like I had this huge family. My heart is pounding right now thinking of how exhilarating the whole experience was. I never felt more beautiful or confident. From that moment on, I felt like I could do those kind of things. It broke down a wall in my life that had been holding me in. Bottom line, do something that seems scary to you. You may end up loving it and remembering it forever. (And if you're thinking of doing the show but aren't sure, DO IT. This is me telling you to. I want you all to feel that way, too.)
3. You do not have to party and drink to have fun.
I know a lot of people who feel this way, and it hurts my heart. There are so many things you can do to have fun without drinking/drugs/partying. I'm not going to get into the whole "drugs and alcohol are bad" speech, because I know you all know it. There are just so many other fun things you can do that don't involve trashing your insides. Go out and eat with your friends. Take tons of pictures and scrapbook them all. Decorate a Christmas tree. (Even if it isn't Christmas, Christmas can be all year round!) Go shopping. Go swimming. Send someone a letter. Have a dance party with yourself or friends to High School Musical music. Make food. I know the "cool" crowd is partying and stuff and you wish you were a part of that, but it isn't all it's cracked up to be. I've seen more issues and fights blossom in people's relationships due to things they did at a party. It isn't worth it. Bottom line, make memories that you'll remember and won't be ashamed to tell people about. Get "turnt up" on gummy worms and Mountain Dew instead.
4. Be young.
One of my biggest struggles in school was thinking I had to grow up quick. I wanted to feel adult and grown up. I often get called an old soul, but you can still be an old soul and be young. Go out on adventures. Watch Disney Channel and don't be ashamed that you still laugh at the jokes. Even if you are in a circumstance where you have to grow up quick, stay young at heart. Bottom line, don't lose the childish wonder in you. Be curious, love life, and keep your childhood imagination.
5. Don't worry about boys.
I spent waaaaaaaaay too much time worrying about having a boyfriend. I was never one of those girls who got a ton of attention from guys, so I kind of wanted it. I never really showed it, but I wanted some prince charming to swoop in and sweep me off my feet. I know people usually say middle school is the awkward time in your life, but high school can be, too. You're trying to find yourself and finding out who you want to be, you don't need a guy in those decisions. Don't worry if no one is sending you "good morning" texts or asking you to prom, (which segways into my sixth topic...)
6. Don't worry if you don't have a date for prom.
A few months before prom, I was wondering if I'd get asked. Never happened. All of my guy friends/acquaintances already had dates. Lovely. I felt like I was super unlikable or something. A month before prom tickets were due, no date. (I did tweet Harry Styles asking him to go with me to no avail. Thanks, dude.) Three weeks before tickets were due, no date. A week before tickets were due, no date. Well, it was Valentine's Day and prom tickets were due, no date. I bought two tickets just in case Harry responded to my tweet. (Well, not the exact reason, but we'll go with that.) Long story short, I ended up going with two of my girl friends. And you know what? BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE. We had so much fun together and laughed a lot and we looked like princesses. I ate strawberries and drank fancy juice while I was in my favorite dress and was surrounded by friends. It was one of the most special nights of my life. Bottom line, boys aren't everything. Don't let them make you sad. And don't worry if you don't have a prom date, go with your friends and make it a night to remember. (yes, intentional High School Musical reference.)
7. Respect your teachers.
Don't make their job hard. Listen to them. Do the work. They aren't there to fail you, even though I know a lot people who thought that/still think that. I have yet to meet a teacher who was just overjoyed with giving students failing grades. They much rather see you succeed than fail. Don't talk during powerpoints even though they may not be exciting. Teachers and other adults in the building are actually fun and helpful. I'm not saying you have to love all your teachers and love their class, I understand that some people's attitudes just don't mesh well with the teachers and how they carry class, but be respectful. Ask questions if you're confused. Do extra credit. Bottom line, just be nice to teachers and be respectful. Leave good impressions. You may need a letter of recommendation sometime in the future and it's better to have multiple people you can ask rather than none. Just be nice.
8. Be yourself.
If there is one thing in school that I'm proud of, it's that I never let my peers or anything else taint my mind and my actions. Yes, I slipped up a lot. I was not perfect. But there was always the voice in the back of my head going, "do you, just do you." Be yourself. Listen to your heart. You love combat boots but someone says they're ugly? Wear them anyway. Don't let other's opinions affect how you are. Be you. Listen to the Hannah Montana soundtrack even if people are laughing at you. Bottom line, do what makes you happy. Be who you want to be. Listen to that voice inside you, don't change for anyone. And always make sure you have some me-time. Make sure you are happy with yourself and don't compare yourself to others. You are awesome. Go you!
9. Trust in the sweet Lord above.
Losing your faith happens a lot, especially when you're surrounded by people who may not be the best people to be around. Try to read God's word everyday and pray even about the smallest things. Pray when you're scared and when you're happy. I went through many dark patches during school where I felt like God had left me and I felt hopeless. But you know what? God never left in those moments. He was right there with me. You have to reach out for him and trust him even when things get rough. He'll help you through it. Bottom line, remember His timing is always perfect and He is on your side. He loves you.
Enjoy these years, smile a lot, take pictures, get involved, dance around, do what makes you happy. Make these four years and especially your senior year amazing. It feels so good to look back on high school and think, "those were the best days of my life." Always try to keep a positive mindset and just be happy. If you ever need someone to talk to about school or anything else, I'm always here for you. <3
Sincerely,
Rachel xx
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