Homecoming dances, football games, student government and passing science class; it all seems a bit much to fit into one year. And when you hear your parents and teachers saying you’ve got to do more you probably feel close to exploding, but it’s not as scary as it seems. The year ahead is bound to be full of fun, memories and an array of achievements.
My first day of high school was daunting. I knew only a handful of other students, was wearing what I had deemed a ridiculous uniform for the first time in my life, and carried around all my textbooks because I did not realize that they were not needed every day. What I wanted to hear on that first day of high school was the reassurance that everything was going to be OK. And it was. High school was challenging academically, socially, and emotionally, but I not only got through it, but found new friendships and experiences along the way.
In a matter of weeks, I will be entering my final year of high school. Just a couple of years ago, it seemed like the time for me to graduate would not get here soon enough. Now reality has hit me about the upcoming year, particularly the start of the inevitable college search.
My summer internship and fall semester were important learning tools, because they…
The Real Story Teamers have all navigated high school and are making their ways in the real world. Read on to learn some things they’d do differently if they could.
Okay, college. That’s the goal. Actually, that’s more of a necessity.
I know that I want to go to college, and I’m pretty sure I want to become a journalist and/or lawyer, so that, of course, requires a college degree. But what college? And how will I get there? Those are my main dilemmas.
Last year when I was searching and yearning for the perfect college, the idyllic Hogwarts-esque institution of my imagination, I guess you could say I had three priorities: running, college-touring, and school (Those last two were interchangeable with reading and hanging out with friends, depending on my mood.).
"The choices we make dictate who we are.” I don’t remember who said that, but I’m pretty sure it was from a movie, and knowing my track record, it probably had Adam Sandler in it.
Up until this point I have not been responsible for any real, major decisions regarding myself or my life.
Where I’ve gone to school, what sports I’ve participated in, where I work, who I hang out with and date, even what classes I’ve taken have all been approved, if not chosen, by my parents.
So when it came time for me to make one decision for myself (where to go to college), I freaked out. I didn’t know what atmosphere made me feel most comfortable. I didn’t know what level of selectivity I wanted my school to have. I didn’t know what I, with help from my parents, could afford in student loans.
Senior year is a time to have fun, make memories that will last a lifetime, and of course, spend countless hours applying to the colleges of your dreams. Although the application process may be very time consuming, it will definitely help if you go into it knowing what you want for yourself.
For example: Size? Location? Major? All of those factors and many more will play into your decision process, helping you along the way.
As for myself, I think I have a pretty good idea of my priorities when looking for a school. They are: Reputation of the college/ university, my field of interest, and school community.
After I receive that bright, shiny diploma, and I am no longer required to attend school, I plan on running away to join a circus. I am an amazing tightrope walker.
Just kidding. I have terrible balance and would fall as soon as I no longer had solid ground beneath my feet.
I hope that a similar demise will not befall me when I attempt my real post-secondary future.
