As a wise teacher said, “This is your last first day.” I was told that at the very beginning, and it’s taken me until now to realize this. This year is the last for me, but for some it is just the beginning of a new opportunity, a new start. There is no time to slack, but there is also no time to plan. You must choose what you want and then work until you can’t anymore. Push yourself and give nothing less then your best, otherwise you will always do your worst.

There is nothing more important than your high school years. Yes I understand that it’s been told over and over again, but it is true. During your high school you really need to buckle down, take the reins, and steer yourself to a higher standard. Trust me, I have slacked, and passed by the skim of my teeth. It’s not fun, it’s not ok, and if I had pushed myself I could have done better.

Never give in to self-doubt, the worst thing you can do is doubt yourself. If you go through high school thinking less of what you are or even just expecting to fail, you will. I do understand it is a struggle to maintain high grades, but if you really want it you’ll get it. Just because you think you can’t does not mean there are others that think that. Teachers, your parents, even your dog, they all believe in your ability. Keep pushing and you will never fail.

Make sure to attend school. There are certain consequences for not attending school, but there are also things that hurt you if you don’t. I have missed so many days that if I miss one more then I can’t walk the line at graduation. That is the highlight of senior year, not just for seniors, but your family, and teachers. This one day is a huge mark on your life, it is with you the rest of your years. Your parents are so proud of you that they cry, and sometimes even your teachers cry. Along with that if you miss school your grades fall, and with that your hopes of passing. Make up work is a pain, not just for you but your teachers. Mrs. Garris has more than once given me a good talking to about this.

The best piece of advice I could give to anyone starting this next year, is be prepared. There is nothing more important than being prepped and ready to go. Be prepared to go the extra mile, take those extra classes, but be prepared to take the challenge head on. Don’t go into high school expecting to just breeze through it. It’s not easy, but it is by no means to strenuous that you can’t do it.

I have been in high school four years now. Some of you have and think it is a waste of time, like there is something better that you could be doing (there’s not). High school is important it is worth all the effort and more. Your high school career influences the rest of your life. Your collage, your career, even your friends. High school is with you the rest of your life, like it or not. So make the most of it, and keep going pushing until you can’t.

“Enjoy your senior year of high school, it is followed by adulthood.”