Picture yourself walking across the stage to receive your high school diploma. Switching your tassel to the left, you think about the four years of experiences that have culminated in this moment…

Laughing with your friends in the hallway, making jokes in class, finally getting to go to the homecoming dance with the boy or girl you had been crushing on for months, making the honor roll, winning the football or track championship in your district, attaining perfect attendance, playing in the band, singing in the choir, dancing on the dance team or maybe being the prom queen or king. Everyone’s experience is different and high school most certainly has its ups and downs, but overall is a great experience.

It’s somewhat symbolic of a coming of age, the beginning of one’s journey into adulthood. This is a great time to meet friends that will last a lifetime, become a part of extracurricular activities that will increase your leadership, teamwork, and future career abilities, as well as and most importantly become aware of those areas in which you excel academically.

Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something!

After high school some people talk about their experience being boring or mediocre, but honestly it’s you who determines your experience. Make the most of it! Remember you can’t go back and you never want to live in the world of woulda, coulda , or shoulda. If you plan to enroll in college, admissions counselors want to see a well rounded student, so along with keeping your grades up, become of member of an organization and commit to it.

Think about it this way…if you’re interested in being a journalist, your membership on the school newspaper gives you firsthand experience in what it takes to be successful in that endeavor. If you see your future as a dancer or an athlete, join the dance team or a sports organization. You will begin to learn and commit to being disciplined in working out, eating properly, and practicing often to improve your craft. Drew Brees did not become the quarterback he is today, overnight; he worked at it for years and continues to work to improve his craft. Future doctors should join a science club; lawyers, the debate team.

Figure out what your interest are and where you fit in. If you need help, talk to your parents, your school guidance counselors, or ask one of our mentors. There are many organizations to become a part of and surely there is one tailor made for your needs. Take advantage of teachers and others willing to take time to cultivate your skills and talents.