Seniors and cousins, Kelly Henderson and Zach Stone discuss Zach’s upcoming soccer senior night. Photo by: Emmelyn Brandt
By Emmelyn Brandt
High school is a four year journey for all students, filled with many unfamiliar experiences. The seniors of 2014 offer advice to the freshman as they endure this new adventure.
Entering high school as a freshman can generate some mixed emotions. Students want to make the best first impression they can. Seniors have been at the high school for four years, and can provide some helpful advice. Alex Pesak said, “First impressions are very important to other students and also to teachers. Make friends with a lot of different people.” Students are free to be who they want to be. High school is a new experience, and anything is possible. Ellen Smith said, “Freshman need to not be too shy. They should take opportunities and try new things.” Getting involved can be a great way to make new friends, and can get freshman connected right from the start. Participating is key, but so is being prepared. Nate Kolter said, “Don’t wait until the last minute to do things, it will come back to bite you. Get off to a good start, so you don’t have to make up for it in future years.” Susana Lopez also comments on the importance of getting work done and not procrastinating.
Senior Kyle Barry zones in to work on a paper for his college credit English course. Photo by: Emmelyn Brandt
High school experiences are not predetermined for students. Sidney Listenberger said, “I think that if you make the best of it, high school is some of the best years of your life.” Tom Felke also agrees with Listenberger. High school experiences are not going to be perfect, though making the best of it is possible. Kelly Henderson said, “High school can have its ups and downs, and I know that from personal experience. It has been good because I have great friends and they are the people who help you get through the day.” These four years can send students on a roller coaster of emotions. Others say that it is solely up to the person if his/her high school experience is good or not. Stone said high school experiences, “depends on what you make of those four years. They can either be really fun and exciting or full of drama. It all depends on how you choose to spend your time and who you are with. It has its ups and downs of course, but in the end it can definitely be some of the best years of your life.”
There are many important life lessons that can be learned in these four years. Nick Bayley said, “The most important life lesson high school has taught me is to be yourself everyday. Do not be afraid to do things that your friends might think is weird.” There is no mold necessary to fit to be the perfect high school student. Kyle Barry comments by saying that students should be mindful of what they say, because there is always someone listening. Words can be misconstrued so it is good to be conscious. More lessons are offered on misjudging the people around the school. People are different and have different characteristics. Cheyenne Schwertner said, “Don’t ever judge a book by its cover because you don’t know it’s contents.” Students have preconceived notions about their peers, but every person has his/her own story. Having fun can be really key also. Daniel Flynn said, “Never take yourself too seriously. Live every day with a smile on your face and life will be 100 times easier.”
Sidney Listenberger overlooks Nate Kolter while he finishes up some homework during SRT. Photo by: Emmelyn Brandt
Changes in students are inevitable through the high school experience. By the time senior year arrives, students have figured out more than they did when they walked in the door freshman year. “I think students become more responsible and mature with academics and with whom they choose to be friends with,” said Dylan Holiday. Being the new group in school can be hard, and many teenagers want to fit the perfect mold. Soon it is figured out that this perfect mold is not possible, but what is important is being happy and responsible for this. Shelby Haisley said, “Most people grow up and realize that we are coming to the end of something that we have been used to since we were five.” After four years students may not have it all figured out, but they are getting closer.