Right now, you’re probably wondering where you fit in, what your future holds, and maybe even if any of this—grades, clubs, extracurriculars—will ever truly matter. You might be thinking about how to stand out, how to stay afloat, or how to simply make it through. I want to tell you something from where I stand now, on the edge of graduation: a lot of what you’re worrying about? It’ll fade. But the people, the choices, the small moments you barely noticed? Those will stay with you.
You’re about to begin a four-year stretch that feels long and short at the same time. Some days will drag, others will fly. You’ll get A’s deserve and C’s you don’t. You’ll have teachers who change your life and others you’ll barely remember. You’ll make friends, lose friends, outgrow people, and surprise yourself with who sticks around. That’s all part of it. Let it happen.
Here’s my best advice:
- Make time for the people who make you laugh.
I’ll never forget the times when Sophia Salvador and I burst out laughing because of something funny Shreya Ghoshal said in AP Lit or the times when Shelly Yoffe and I shared many laughs as we walked her dog during quarantine. The friendships you gain are the most valuable assets of your high school career. I know I have a shoulder to count on in SoCal, NorCal, and Indiana. You’ll forget the stress from your chem final, but you won’t forget these memories.
- Talk to your teachers.
Obviously talk to your teachers about grades, but I advise you to talk to them about life, books, college, whatever. Some of them are going to believe in you before you believe in yourself. Talking to Mr. Sessions allowed me to understand the importance of investing in stocks and how to fight like Muhammad Ali. Talking to Mr. Hadley allowed me to learn about his strong love for Brave New World. Talking to Ms. Verma allowed me to understand that hard work and passion will take us far in life. Talking to Mr. Evans allowed me to see how much he believed in me, inspiring me to branch out and pursue being Journalism editor and LIFE Crew Commissioner.
- Try things even if you’re bad at them.
Join the club. Fail at AP Physics. Have fun in Journalism. Participate in lip sync. You’re not supposed to be amazing at everything—you’re supposed to try, learn, and maybe fall in love with something unexpected.
- Remember to look up.
Look around. Notice the people who sit near you in class, the teachers who allow you to turn in 100 missing assignments, and the always-smiling front office ladies. High school isn’t just something you get through. It’s something you shape, by the way you treat people, by what you choose to care about, by how you show up for others and for yourself.
Four years from now, when it’s your turn to walk the stage, I hope you look back not just on what you accomplished, but on how you made people feel and how they made you feel too. That’s what lasts.