EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Teen Years
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Catching a concert? Awesome. Getting an A? Even better. Falling in love? Priceless. Entering high school? Frightening. On my first day, the student body hosted a rally in which all the upperclassmen shouted at the freshmen to go back to junior high. This was not exactly the warm welcome we sought. Then the first class bell rung, and I realized that unlike middle school, high school classes actually involve studying and a lot of homework. As I got involved in athletics and clubs, I found my free time rapidly diminishing, and it became clear that the overly dramatized high school social life I'd seen in teen movies was just a fantasy. That's not to say the experience turned sour. Our teen years are supposed to be among the best in our lives, and indeed they can be. So it's important not to get caught up in the difficulties of fitting in and succeeding academically and instead focus on the advantages to be gained from these years. To help with the transition, here are a few tips from my own personal experience: Get involved early In high school, the extracurricular activities you choose can determine your entire experience, whether you become a jock, a cheerleader, a dramatist, or a debater. The sooner you commit seriously to a few clubs and activities, the sooner you'll make lasting friendships and develop your own interests. Get to know your teachers This may sound strange now, but teachers can actually become important figures in your life. By taking the time to get to know them, you may discover that their years of experience have taught them a lot that they can pass on to you. Hanging out with the teachers may not look cool in front of your friends, but it'll pay off if you ever need teacher recommendations. SATs aren't the end-all At my school, people seem to be obsessed with their test scores. I have numerous friends who have spent thousands of dollars on prep classes. In most cases, their scores went up significantly, but many of them still didn't get into the colleges they wanted. Beyond academics, colleges look for students who show originality and commitment to extracurricular activities. SATs are still important, but scores alone won't get you anywhere. There are much better ways to spend your time than studying for a single exam. Don't worry about fitting in OK, that sounds a bit ridiculous, but it's important. For some people, it's hard at first to break into the cliques at a lot of schools. It may sound trite, but it's true that there are advantages to being different. Eventually, you'll find a group of friends who accept you for who you are, and that's important. After high school, you won't remember the people who didn't want to be your friend, but you will have the relationships you formed with those who accepted you. There's no magic formula for success in high school. But as long as you keep a positive outlook, you'll find friends with shared interests and an environment that can support originality. Don't sweat the small things, and you'll find that high school is a time to mature, learn, and hopefully enjoy yourself in the process. Marcel Przymusinski graduated from Troy High School in Fullerton in June. |
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