High school is so much harder than people think. But it’s not just because of school. This is the most formative time of your life, which might seem a bit dramatic but I assure you that I’m not just saying this. You’ll go through lots of heavy emotions which can be horrible or happy depending on the days but no matter what, they will be exhausting. I know I felt this.. But, I’m a different person than I was when I first started high school, for better or worse. My views on high school have also changed and, as someone who is now leaving, I have some advice for you. You don’t have to take it, but at least hear me out.

Don’t come into high school thinking it’s the movies- it’s nothing like it. It’s harder and a lot less fun. I was told that my freshman year didn’t matter, so I didn’t have to worry too much about it. Someone at some point will try to tell you that. Don’t listen to them. Freshman year is the foundation for the rest of high school and it is just as important as the rest of high school. High school is so much harder than middle school and it’s so much easier to mess up. So, make sure to check your grades and make sure you’re on track to graduate. Trust me, senior year will be so much easier if you stay on track and do your work.

You might go into your freshman year or any other year seeing friend groups already made and feel like you’re an outcast, but that might help you learn more about yourself. Or, you already have a group of friends that you’ve brought from middle school. But, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from the drama of being an outcast. As much as I hate to say it, a lot of my friends I started high school with aren’t my friends anymore. People grow, people change. People fight. It’s normal and, while it doesn’t excuse bad behavior, it is something you have to accept. I still have a few friends I’ve known through most of high school. But my advice is to focus on finding your real friends. Don’t focus on how many you have because they might not be real friends. So, just remember: quality over quantity. After all, there’s a place for everyone at Taft. Mine was the library. But that might not be for you. Either way, there’s always somewhere you belong.

However, in the long run- high school is just 4 years of your life. It might feel like everything now but, I assure you there’s so much more than this. High school is difficult in so many ways but, getting through it is worth it. I was sure I wouldn’t make it to today but, here I am. And, if I can make it to my senior year AND graduate (with at least one A), then so can you. I’m still growing but high school definitely changed me.