Things I wish I would have known in high school
For those of you who don't know, I just graduated from high school. (Yay!!) If I could go back and tell myself something before I started, this is what I would say.
1) It's going to be ok. Starting high school is pretty scary, and starting high school in a new country is even scarier. But it will be fine! You'll make friends and stress out and go to the beach and read a lot and in the end you'll look back and be satisfied. High school is not the end of the world.
2) Challenge yourself, because you're good enough to take it. I sucked at math when I started grade 9. It didn't help that I missed some school so they were all ahead of me, either. So I studied really hard and worked harder. When I got to grade 11 I took the hardest math class I could, even though I wasn't sure if I was going to pass. I ended up getting top of the subject for that year. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
3) Family and friends are awesome and don't underestimate them. I would not be standing on my own two feet (as opposed to crying on the ground) if not for my family and friends. Treat them like gold. 'Nuff said.
4) Your best is good enough, and it's all you need. There will always be someone who is better at you in something. That's ok. You don't have to be number one all the time. And on a slightly different note, if you study your hardest and work harder and still get a bad mark, then be happy about it. You couldn't have done any better and you should be proud of your best.
What are your favourite lessons from high school? And words of wisdom for the coming years ahead?
1) It's going to be ok. Starting high school is pretty scary, and starting high school in a new country is even scarier. But it will be fine! You'll make friends and stress out and go to the beach and read a lot and in the end you'll look back and be satisfied. High school is not the end of the world.
2) Challenge yourself, because you're good enough to take it. I sucked at math when I started grade 9. It didn't help that I missed some school so they were all ahead of me, either. So I studied really hard and worked harder. When I got to grade 11 I took the hardest math class I could, even though I wasn't sure if I was going to pass. I ended up getting top of the subject for that year. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
3) Family and friends are awesome and don't underestimate them. I would not be standing on my own two feet (as opposed to crying on the ground) if not for my family and friends. Treat them like gold. 'Nuff said.
4) Your best is good enough, and it's all you need. There will always be someone who is better at you in something. That's ok. You don't have to be number one all the time. And on a slightly different note, if you study your hardest and work harder and still get a bad mark, then be happy about it. You couldn't have done any better and you should be proud of your best.
What are your favourite lessons from high school? And words of wisdom for the coming years ahead?
If I could tell myself something in high school, it would be: 1). Grades are not everything 2). Enjoy friendships and having friends who are close in heart and in distance and 3). Find something to enjoy in every day instead of just trying to muddle through.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to college, I would give the same advice, with the addition of learning how to manage your time well, know yourself and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and to remember to take time to take care of yourself and do things you enjoy.
I must keep telling myself that grades are not everything, but I don't always believe myself. And I suppose I struggle with 3.
DeleteThanks for the advice! I'll keep it in mind.
Yeah, I remember feeling the same things when I started high school, but I was also homeschooling so it was a little different. I think if I could go back and tell myself anything, it would have to do more with personal life and less with school, but I would also let myself know that even though I'd have to spend four years of feeling like the dumbest person ever when it comes to math, it wouldn't be the worst thing ever. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like very good advice. And math isn't for everyone :) most people (all people?) feel stupid in math class, I think.
DeleteI think #1 was one I should have heard more often in my high school years... I did not have a lot of hope for the future in high school. And, I mean, I still don't have a lot of hope for the future, but at least in terms of my own mortal lifespan, I can just accept the okayness for now.*nods*
ReplyDeleteI think school focusses on the negative "if you don't pass you'll spend your life dragging dead animals off the side of the road forever" and not "you'll be fine it's all part of life" bit. It's all a bit scary the way they put it, I think. I hope you find your hope, Heather :-)
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