A Letter

Dear son/daughter,

As you begin you first year in highschool I hope I can pass down a few words of wisdom from my experience as a highschool student. For me, despite how much I whined or complained about how much I hated going to school I still hold a special place for it in my heart. The people I met and the memories I’ve made there were incredible. In four brief years, I’ve transformed from a shy freshman to a creative performer. As a freshman and sophomore student I was quiet and a bit shy in class and didn’t try to hard in my studies. And so, if I could tell the highschool me something I would definitely tell myself that the grades from the first two years of highschool do matter. Study hard!

The greatest piece of advice I have for you from my freshman and sophomore year is to take opportunities and explore your interests. After a few months into highschool, many clubs around campus will be trying to recruit you into their club. In highschool, there is a multitude of clubs you can join. You should join as many clubs you are interested in and after a trial period, choose two to four clubs you are most passionate about. From there, get involved. Stay up to date on club activities and participate in events and socials. I also encourage you to apply to be an officer to get a behind-the-scenes experience of how the club runs and at the same time gain leadership experience. Although, applying to become an officer can be quite daunting as a freshman or sophomore, seize the opportunity as you will never know what you can do unless you try. Additionally, apply to become an officer of a club you are truly passionate about. Officer duties are quite time-consuming and sometimes repetitive so committing yourself to a club you enjoy is essential. Ultimately, clubs are wonderful in that you have the ability to make a positive impact on not only, for instance, starving children, but also on club members’ thoughts and actions.

Further, I encourage you to take AP classes in the subjects you are curious about. AP classes are a great way to challenge yourself. For me, taking these courses were extremely rewarding as I developed time-management skills and led me to discover that if I work hard and am proactive I can accomplish my goals. I hope you will come to the same realization some point in your highschool experience. Perhaps the biggest thing you may learn from highschool is that even failure is a precious experience. Although, you may initially feel devastated, be in denial, and try to bargain your way out, you will gradually learn to accept the result and find the way forward. Through the experience, you will grow in many ways. Lastly, the best thing that you may get out highschool may be the people you meet--as it is the case for me. Many of the friends you make in highschool will become your lifelong friends so treasure them.

Overall, highschool is a unique experience to each and every person--it is a period of self-discovery, a transition towards independence as a college student, and ultimately another step towards adulthood. Make the most of the four years--from the saddest experiences to the most cheerful moments.

Excited for what the future holds for you,

Mom