Senior students give tips to have a memorable and fulfilling experience in high school. They recommend stepping out of their comfort zone, make the most of opportunities, and building valuable friendships,
They share their most important tips for high school, motivating freshmen to join clubs and sports, managing their time wisely, and finding a good balance between school and social life. Students highlight the importance of avoiding perfectionism, taking time for themselves, and prioritizing activities that align with their interests and skills.
“As a senior, I’d recommend trying new things and joining clubs or sports. It’s a great way to meet people and discover your passion,” Juanita Lopez, senior, said.
High school can feel overwhelming, especially for freshmen, with new routines, friends, teachers, and classes to adjust to. Many seniors emphasize the importance of staying open to meeting new people as you may unexpectedly form meaningful connections to build an enriching experience.
“I would advise future freshmen to not stick to only one group, or close themselves off to the people in the grade, but to try to connect with everybody and understand and give themselves a chance to know more people because you might find friends in somebody that you didn’t expect,” Rosario Clavijo, senior, said.
Many students develop time management skills only after facing the pressures of procrastination. Over time, they discover strategies to break free from this cycle and adopt habits that help them stay on track and manage their time more effectively, making schoolwork, projects, and presentations much less overwhelming.
“I learned the importance of time management the hard way. I used to procrastinate a lot, and it caused unnecessary stress. Now, I start assignments earlier and try to break them into smaller tasks. Managing your time wisely makes a huge difference in high school,” Lopez said.
Finding a balance between schoolwork, social life, and extracurriculars is a challenge many high schoolers face, often requiring some sacrifice. Students are encouraged to focus on prioritizing what matters most at the moment, helping them manage their time and energy effectively.
“It took me a lot of time to find the balance, but at the end of the day, I saw I sometimes had to sacrifice going out, or I would sacrifice a little of my schoolwork to go to social gatherings. At the end of the day, if you find the balance, that is what works,” Maia Gallon, senior, said.
Taking courses that build essential skills and help you discover your passions can have a lasting impact, especially when it comes to preparing for college. Many seniors recommend choosing classes that push them to grow and teach them new abilities that will come in handy in the future.
“I would also say to take AP language and composition since it’s a class that will help you learn how to write. From the beginning to the end of the course, you’ll see a very drastic change in the way you’re writing, and that will help you along later in life to write college essays or just other things for other classes,” Clavijo said.
High school can be challenging, due to the constant changes and challenges students face. However, building a reliable support system, living one day at a time, focusing on self-care, and focusing on small, manageable goals can help students stay positive and motivated through both the highs and lows of high school.
“I stayed positive by keeping a strong support system, like friends, family, and mentors I could talk to. Exercise and hobbies helped me relieve stress. And I also reminded myself that challenges are temporary and to focus on one day at a time,” Lopez said.