Most of us start high school with a mixture of dread and anticipation. The subjects we learn are getting harder. Every day brings us closer to adulthood and all the inevitable decisions we’ll need to face. At the same time, our coursework is more interesting. Many begin discovering what they enjoy learning about and paving a path forward. It’s the ultimate “pro and con” experience.
I remember well my own freshman year of high school. It was a mixed bag. My parents signed me up for one elective with a co-op (something I’d never done before). It wasn’t a good fit, and we dropped it halfway through the year. I played violin with a local orchestra and, somewhat to my surprise, found out I really enjoyed performing with others. As I moved through high school, these ups and downs reappeared in various forms, each one an opportunity for maturity.
That’s the best way to approach high school: as a radical experience of maturity. Four years is a long time, but especially from the ages of 14 to 18. You will change in more ways than you can count and will probably experience plenty of heartache and frustration. Few people count high school as the best years of their lives—and frankly, that’s a good thing—but there are ample opportunities for growth, fellowship, and joy.
I asked our staff (a mixture of senior, junior, and mid-career professionals) what they would tell their freshman self if they could go back to high school for a day. They shared several insightful tidbits which touch on a variety of experiences. I hope our advice proves helpful as you embark on this new adventure.
Academics
Study how the human brain works during your free time, use that information to benefit your learning, and don’t get frustrated when you can’t figure something out after a few tries.
You don’t have to be perfect. Give yourself grace.
If you decide to do dual enrollment, make sure that the credits will transfer to the school you want to attend.
Expect change: in one year of school, you will learn new things, appreciate new things, dislike old things, develop new habits, and see your friend groups change.
Academics are important, but remember to be a whole person, too. Have fun in your free time! A well-balanced life doesn’t get any easier after high school.
You’ll never believe me, but grades matter a lot less than you think as an adult. Focus instead on interesting subjects, questions, and ideas
Personal Growth
Learn to be okay with making mistakes.
All that time and energy you put into team sports and outdoor activities will be 100% worth it when you are in your 30s+.
If someone tells you that you can only be good or specialize in one thing, don’t believe them. Make it your goal to be a Jesus-loving, multi-talented person.
Learning takes time. You don’t become an expert overnight.
When it gets hard, focus on a broader perspective. Breathe.
Intentionally look for specific ways the Lord is showing you His kindness.
Your hobbies are amazing and worth pursuing, but don’t be too disappointed if you can’t become a pro sports player or concert pianist, etc.
Keep reading for fun!
Expect that there will be challenges, but that not all challenges are bad because they help us grow in virtue and maturity.
Stop playing video games. Go outside. Clean your room. And, if you need some additional help, consider seeing a therapist.
Be the squeaky wheel sometimes. Everybody is busy, even those who care about you. If you want or need something, speak up.
Take all secondhand accounts with a grain of salt. Whenever possible, reserve judgment until you have experienced something yourself.
Peers
It is okay not to play freshmen football. There are other ways to make friends—and you’ll avoid the inevitable concussion.
The phrase “respect your elders” doesn’t mean that you should listen to the older kids’ advice 100% of the time. 12th graders may be older than you, but they aren’t always wiser.
Life and high school become easier if you work on liking yourself, before trying to get others to like you.
Most people have fewer real friends than they would like, even popular kids, and no “outsider phase” lasts forever if you’re trying to be friendly.
