With the school year finally coming to an end, Minnetonka High School seems to be buzzing with excitement for the long-awaited summer. Testing season is over, the weather is starting to get nice, and seniors are preparing for graduation. But for those of you who will be returning next fall, a new school year is probably the last thing on your mind, especially if you’re that person who’s in all AP classes, 15 clubs, and still manages to have a 4.0 GPA. But as a graduating senior who’s had a rigorous academic experience myself, I believe I have some advice that can help you thrive in your remaining years.

Back when I was in middle school, I thought my high school routine would be consist of three things: eat, sleep, and study. But six months into freshman year, I realized two things. First, this lifestyle was not sustainable. Second, high school is about more than getting into a good college. I decided I wanted to live my life in the moment and focus less on a future I couldn’t possibly control. That’s when I decided to continue pursuing the sport I loved by joining the high school golf team.

Looking back now, joining the golf team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I not only found a friend group that I can always count on for support but also realized that golf was helping with my schoolwork—for a few reasons. First, I became more efficient with my studying. The last thing I needed after a seven-hour school day was more schoolwork. Getting out into the fresh air and moving my body helped me refresh my mind and retain more of what I studied. Second, I was able to quickly relieve my stress. As a person who often shuts down when I feel overloaded, golf made my life more manageable. Finally, golf gave me something to be excited and passionate about. In the midst of long days at school, golf practice was the light at the end of the tunnel.

So if you’re like I was and looking for a more enjoyable high school experience, definitely consider joining a sport—or anything that you’re passionate about. I promise you that you won’t regret it.