To all underclassmen...

<p>As of 12:30 tomorrow, my time in High School will be over with. For the past four years, myself and classmates alike wished it was over, couldn't wait for the weekend, and counted down the days till summer. Now that it is all coming to an end, we wish that we could have more time together. This thread is not going to tell you how to get into a top school, the secret to getting a 2400, or how many AP classes you should take, but what it will tell you is how to make your time in High School enjoyable.</p>

<p>All too often on this forum, I hear how students loathe High School, and how they wish to be in college. At times, I feel their pain, but not to an unhealthy extent. When I came into High School as a freshmen, I had the mentality that many CCers posses, in that people are constantly judging them. In some cases, that's going to be true, but needless to say, those same people will probably end up working under you. But back to my point, don't be shy, simple as that. Unfortunately I waited until my senior year to get involved in things, whether it be clubs (although it seems like everyone here is president of 3 clubs), dances, or just helping out our class. I had a lot of fun doing those things, and to this moment, I wonder why I didn't get involved earlier.</p>

<p>Now believe me, I know it can be hard to "put yourself out there" but sometimes you just have to suck it up and give it a go. Luckily I found a good group of seniors this year whom I worked with in many class spirit projects etc, and right now I am glad I did. Again, for many of you, including myself, it might be difficult to get out of your comfort zone, or your element, but most of the time, you will be glad you did. Just remember that people aren't nearly as judgemental as you think.</p>

<p>On the CC, I constantly hear that people are scared to go to dances because they don't dance, or do not like the music. Going into my senior year, I didn't have a damn clue how to dance, and really, I still don't. But I thought to myself "you know what, screw it, I'll go out and have a good time with my friends" and I did just that. I'll be honest and that it was a little awkward at first, but in the end I had a great time at prom, homecoming, etc, and I'm kind of sad that we just had our last dance. Just like earlier, your friends won't judge you if you can't dance, and hell, most of the time half the people out there can't dance all that good.</p>

<p>My main point, don't have any regrets. As I type this, I am reminded of all the missed opportunities, but realize that there is nothing I can do about it. But for you younger guys and gals, you still have time to make the most of High School. In ten years, will you remember half the people, probably not, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't make the absolute best of your time in High School, because its not getting that 2400, or that 5 on your AP test that you will remember, but the time you spent having fun with your friends that will stick with you.</p>

<p>I wish you all the best of luck in your time in High School, college, and beyond. I leave you with this quote (sorry if this thread was cliche) "Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road."</p>

<p>Amen California!!</p>

<p>Thanks for that. It made my day.</p>

<p>wow thats pretty inspirational rite there</p>

<p>Awesome. Going into my senior year, I needed something like this. Thanks.</p>

<p>Same here. Great advice :)</p>

<p>agreed.</p>

<p>in a few years, no one(or no one but you) will remeber what you got on that test, or what AP's you took, sat's...but you and your friends will remember home coming, prom, football games, that party(ies) the cops broke up, going to a party somewhere and waking up no where near there, going on a road trip, whatever...or you'll remember that you DON'T remember those nights ;)</p>

<p>lovely post, especially the quote at the end</p>

<p>thanks for the inspiration</p>

<p>thanks so much! I needed this.</p>

<p>i feelya and i completely agree</p>

<p>to all underclassmen: </p>

<p>HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA</p>

<p>Yay I'm graduating tonight!</p>

<p>T.T
That was truly awesome. I've heard this a million times but hearing it from you was really different (and definitely struck home)
Thanks for the awesome post.</p>

<p>I agree 100% with that post. The part of high school you all will miss is the fun dances/football games/parties/etc.</p>

<p>Underclassmen, get out there and have fun!</p>

<p>I'd also like to point out..if you end up not doing all those things, it's not the worst thing that could happen. High school isn't the end all, and while you should enjoy it, don't put stress on yourself to really "GET OUT THERE".</p>

<p>^
I agree, most users on this board are going to end up with great jobs and make big money, but if you've read this board as long as I have, you will see that a lot of these people don't like to "GET OUT THERE" which is why I emphasized that.</p>

<p>At one point or another, you're going to have to put some effort into your social life, and whether you choose to do so in High School, College or beyond, its not just going to switch on like a light. So people might as well get their feet wet sooner rather than later.</p>

<p>Well, I guess I haven't been having the same experience in high school most CCers are having; I feel that everything comes much more easily than in middle school, and I'm not constrained by my reputation in middle school, even though everyone in the district goes to the same educational park. High school is a lot more fun than middle school was.</p>

<p>i really liked that....i'm extremely shy around ppl i dont know. I'm a rising sophomore and i take your words to heart adn brain</p>

<p>everything you said is great. but i'd just like to add: college = freedom. if that's not reason enough to finish high school, i dont know what is. but yea i'll miss high school good times, but probly not when im in college planning my own ski trips and weekend getaways ;] weeee p.s. plus less control from the 'rents. CANNOT WAIT.</p>