As our last days of high school float by in slow motion, we are overwhelmed with nostalgia reflecting on four amazing years at this place. And while we wouldn’t change a thing, there are a few pieces of insight we wish we had known from the beginning. Now that we’ve learned, we want to pass our wisdom on to those we leave behind. So here’s a list of the top nine ways to make the most of your time at Paly.
1. Get to know your teachers.
They’re wonderful people who really do care about you. Talk to them after class, send them emails if you’re feeling stressed, tell them your life story; they might end up teaching you more than you expected to learn.
2. It’s not all about college.
We have friends that would tell you otherwise, but it’s true: there is more to life than school. You need to put things in perspective, and ask yourself, "How important is it?" It seems like we do a lot of what we do for one wrong reason: to get into college. Don’t play that sport or join that club if you absolutely hate it just because Harvard wants you to – do it for yourself.
3. Cross the line.
Okay, so we all know about those unspoken social boundaries that hold us within our cliques. The Bench people stay on their bench, the Student Center people stay by their wall, and the MRC people stay on their couches, etc. We say we’re all very "unified" and that there’s no popularity. Whatever, of course there is. But be brave – forget all that and go say hi to your old friend from first grade. The world would be a much better place if we all stepped out of our comfort zones. Don’t wait until the end of senior year to talk to that really cool person in your history class, do it today.
4. Write it all down.
Take notes, not just in class. Jot down those funny comments your teachers make accidentally, memorable moments with friends, and descriptions of things you’ll want to remember later. Whether it’s in a journal, a quote book, or randomly distributed throughout your English binder, put everything on paper. You may someday find that all the inspiration you need can be found in the memories of these years.
5. Attend school functions.
Even if they sound unexciting, Paly events can be a lot of fun. Go to Quad Night and cheer on our basketball teams, get your groove on at a Friday night dance, check out a choir or band concert, go to a play – they’re really entertaining. Remember that things are what you make them… so make them fun!
6. Be generous.
With your time, with your love, with yourself. It’s easy to find a close group of people and spend most of your time with them, unintentionally shutting others out. There are so many incredible people around us and if we make no effort to get to know them, we’re missing a great opportunity. While education is important, it is not the sole purpose of living. If your friend is upset or your neighbor is lonely, put down the math book for a second and go visit with them, make them smile. If you’re feeling totally anxious, slow down. Sometimes all it takes is a bubble bath to bring your life into perspective.
7. Forgive and forget.
We all make mistakes, tell lies, and say things we don’t mean. It’s not fair to write a person off for being human. It takes a lot of energy to stay angry; don’t waste your time on hard feelings, when you could be out enjoying the company of others. As you learn to grant forgiveness, you may find your own mistakes more easily forgiven.
8. Don’t be afraid to be lame!
It can be hard to break out of social norms, but part of what makes being unique so exciting is the rush of leaving inhibitions behind. Try not to take yourself too seriously. Act like a child now; you never know when you’ll next have the chance. Go to class in that polka-dotted shirt you’ve been secretly wearing around the house, put together a Spike Fest team, and roller blade to school in full safety gear. Really get into your school projects, as dorky as that sounds. You’ll be amazed by how much you enjoy learning when you bring personal meaning to all those abstract theories and concepts in your textbooks. Plus, staying up late to glue pictures onto poster board is one of the best ways to get to know your peers. Some of our favorite memories from high school have involved making complete fools of ourselves, not worrying about what others thought.
9. Most importantly, dare.
Dare to stand out, dare to meet new people and try new things, dare to open up and be yourself. Taking the initiative to say hi to a strange face in the hall or disagree with the majority in a class discussion is never easy, but the rewards are innumerable. These years are a chance for you to shape who you are, and who you will become. Only by taking chances and daring to find your own way will you fully be able to enjoy life. So get out there: laugh until you cry, build relationships, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – we’re all here to learn.