What I wish I knew..

“High school goes by fast.” I remember my elders always telling me this. But truly it is not a lie, it is an understatement to be quite honest. You know the word “yolo” and the other one “reputation” both of these words I have kept in mind throughout my time here at Naperville North, however one of them was is in the frontal lobe and the other is in my occipital. (Sorry I took anatomy I couldn’t help myself). Anyways, “reputation” has always been kept at the front of my mind since I took my first and last steps in and out of Saints Peter and Paul. In my middle school and junior high curriculum, we were always taught to do the right thing: to turn your homework in on time, to go to mass every Sunday, to wear no makeup, to always share, that different is bad, and that homework is important. And as much as most of those beliefs are true, I walked in my freshman year at Naperville North scared. Scared of difference, scared of freedom, scared of doing the wrong thing, and scared of what others might think of me. And let me tell you, that’s where I met a friend. A friend whose word at the front of her mind was “yolo.” I needed this type of friend. She made me less tense. Still to this day I struggle with “reputation” and needing to always do the right thing. But this is essentially a list of things I learned throughout my high school experience and a list of the best advice I can give to any junior transitioning to become a senior. (I wish I knew these things even before I went into high school)

Let us start. 

What I’ve learned through my experience at North is to get involved. Get involved to the point where you are exhausted. This might sound crazy, but don’t disregard this advice, let me explain. Throughout my years at Naperville North as much as I feel satisfied with my experience here I regret not doing a number of things. For one, to always take classes you have a genuine interest in, make good use of North’s wide variety of classes, and promise me to not take a class solely because your friend wants you to take the class, just because your friend likes earth science doesn’t mean you’ll like it too. (no offense to earth science majors love you all, it’s just an example). Two, and the best advice I can possibly give you is to be involved in a sport. The countless memories and friends you’ll make from simply just sharing a common interest with one another is unforgettable! I remember telling all of my friends and family that my one regret thus far into the school year is not playing volleyball during my senior year of high school. I believe as soon as I stepped foot in the contest gym decked out in orange and blue and gazing at the fat heads that outlined our bleachers, I was instantly devastated. That moment I realized I should have been out on the court experiencing pure bliss while hearing the crowd cheer our name, however, I was in the stands cheering on my fellow lady athletes on their senior night. Therefore take it from me, or at least do it for me. Do what you love, and don’t be ashamed of it. Third, go to every football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance competition, 80s dance, homecoming, I DONT CARE just go to every and any event Naperville North has to offer because I promise you those will be your best memories. Fourth, buy a camera, it doesn’t have to be a nice one, it can be a disposable, film, Nikon, Sony, anything of your desire, but buy a camera. It is easily one of my best purchases EVER. I was lucky to acknowledge my interest in photography at the beginning of high school, but let me tell you the number of friends you’ll make with a camera in your possession is incredible. Not to mention, bring the camera to everything, be known for having a camera at all times. Document everything so you have something to look back on. I know for certain that is something that I will always continue to do, through the remainder of senior year, college, and the rest of my life. Fifth, have a good relationship with your job (if you have one) know your boundaries, do not let them walk all over you, you know your availability and if it does not fit with your schedule it is okay to say “no.” That was probably one of my biggest regrets, even more so than not doing school volleyball my senior year. I missed out on so many activities because I was taking someone else’s shift. That, someone, was also a senior, and this is where the word “yolo” comes in, yes I did the right thing I took her shift, however looking back on it she had fun and I did not, I watched her have fun while she posted how much fun the 80s dance, senior scavenger hunt, football game, and senior toga day was. SO, LIVE OUT YOUR TEENAGE YEARS. I cannot stress this enough. We are only young once. Utilize “reputation” and “yolo” and let those words resonate with you! Use them wisely, don’t take advantage of them, and don’t let them take advantage of you. 

Take this advice with open arms because may I remind you, us seniors had two and a half of our precious high school years stripped away from us. Do not let high school go to waste. 

This prompt actually sparked an interest I didn’t know I had. I made a list of things that I think I would classify as my survival guide, let me know if you agree or what you would add to the list.

1. Get involved
2. Go to every event
3. Know the difference between “yolo” and having a “reputation” 
4. Have a good relationship with your job
5. Buy a camera 
6. Mend “beef” with friends
7. Make efforts. having a divided grade is annoying (in my opinion)
8. Do not care what others think of you. (I need to take my own advice)

& that’s all for now, thank you for tuning in on lemstake, it has been one hell of a year, to say the least !