Even though I am a couple of years removed from high school, I still vividly remember the pressures and stresses that went along secondary education. Although my high school experience was unique because I attended a Jesuit, all-boys, college prep school, I still can offer some advice to young men and women who are struggling to find their path. Here’s my approach to making high school an enjoyable time.
Stay Away from Drugs and Alcohol
Nothing good can come out of experimenting drugs or alcohol. Tragedy, heartbreak, and legal trouble are three undesirable effects of underage drinking and smoking. In the news, we hear quite frequently about another drunk driving death or injury to a high school student. Trust me when I say drugs and alcohol are not worth the hassle. If you want to fit in but feel that you have to drink and smoke to accomplish that, you are mistaken. Straight edge is a lifestyle among youth that emphasizes living a life free of drugs and alcohol. It is a form of positive peer pressure.
Get a Positive Mental Attitude (P.M.A.)
Believe it or not, your attitude has a great effect on your level of personal happiness. Happiness is contagious in that your happiness can wear off on other people, thus making the world a better place. Leo Buscaglia once said, “Don’t spend your precious time asking ‘Why isn’t the world a better place?’ It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is ‘How can I make it better?’ To that, there is an answer.”
Handle Each Situation With Maturity
Many times, young people tend to overexaggerate and become melodramatic about trivial matters. Once you realize that you shouldn’t sweat the small things, your live will be much more pleasurable and stress-free. High school is a time when you can exercise and develop maturity and thoughtfulness.
Make Loyal Friends
Generally, the friends you make in high school will stick with you longer than the friends you make at any other point in your life. For instance, my dad still associates with high-school friends about once a year. When they get together, it’s like not a moment of time has passed. They laugh, reminisce over their high school days, and have a great time in each other’s presence. To make new friends, be kind to everyone and respect everyone. Perform random acts of kindness for other people and avoid becoming involved in cliques.
Find Humor and Laugh
Laughter truly is one of the strongest antidotes out there. If you are having a difficult time in high school, lighten up a little and notice the small things that are funny. Better yet, try to find someone to laugh with. Laughter can melt stress and it is a healthy escape from the grinding pressures of high school.
Don’t Worry Too Much About Getting Straight A’s
Please don’t misinterpret me. I advise that you do everything in your power to get good grades and high standardized test scores. However, test scores and grades don’t mean everything. While I made it a point to perform well academically, I could have done much worse and still been accepted to state colleges and universities. Instead of dedicating your life entirely to school, spend time volunteering or joining clubs at your school.
Don’t Worry Too Much About Appearance
I’ve always been of the opinion that appearance doesn’t mean much. If someone wants to be your friend only because you look good, then that is a very shallow and baseless view of friendship. For girls, I recommend covering up and not showing too much skin. The guys worth dating will appreciate the fact that you know how to be modest. For guys, don’t worry about being ripped, but at the same time, don’t let yourself go. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, have good hygiene and most importantly don’t fret about how you look. On the flip side, don’t judge anyone for wearing different clothing. If a person comes to school with earrings, long hair, body piercings, and tattoos, be accepting and open-minded. You will be respected for that.
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