Most people can agree that high school is hard. The adult world gets a little bit closer with each passing year, the curriculum gets harder, and suddenly you realize that your grades really matter. The stakes get higher, and so do stress levels. The first month can be especially difficult because everyone is coming out of summer vacation. Maybe your sleep schedule was completely thrown off because you slept in all summer and now you’re waking up at 6:00 am. Maybe it’s your first year of high school and you have no idea what to expect, let alone how to handle all of the stuff that’s coming your way. Or maybe, after three months of relaxation, it’s just tough to hit the ground running. Wherever you fall, here’s some of the advice we’ve been able to gather from students who came before you. May you follow in their footsteps, or learn from their mistakes!

“Work hard, but really enjoy yourself. If enjoying yourself means doing more popularized events like football games and dances and pep fests, that’s great, but it could also mean chatting with your favorite lunch lady or grabbing an extra slice of banana bread on the way to class. Really take in what the past four years means to you, and really cherish the relationships that you’ve cultivated over that time.” -Morgan Erickson ’16

“If I repeated the 1st quarter of my senior year, I’d take an assessment of what I really valued. I’d make sure I didn’t invest myself in organizations and superficial relationships rather than seeking out how I could serve individual people and seeking them out to know them better. I’d be more confident in sharing the gospel and what I personally believe. I’d make sure I was conscious about learning things that’d stick with me and not wasting my time in general.” -Reid Rothenberger ’15

“There were a few things that helped me not only survive senior year, but enjoy it. Getting involved in discussions will help you understand and remember the information you need to know for tests, and it will also improve your relationships with teachers. Finally, regardless of how much homework you have, always make time for fun. Whether it’s working out or singing or just spending time with friends, finding time to enjoy yourself can keep you from becoming too stressed, helping you stay motivated to do assignments.” -Jack Ross ’15

“My advice for first quarter juniors is: Remember to have fun and do what makes you happy. There is so much focus on academics junior year, but it’s important not to forget that school and life should be fun when you’re 16-17. Hit the textbooks hard, but scream your lungs out at the games, join in on all the late night Perkins runs you can get, say ‘yes’ whenever you are asked to go on an adventure, and make it a year to remember.” -Rob Dow, Class President ’17