If you’re referring to the time you spend at high school metaphorically, what would you compare it to? A four year sentence in prison? A rat trapped in a cage?
Those are jokes, obviously, but I think most people can agree it’s just like a roller coaster. Not just any old roller coaster, but if you’ve been to Six Flags, Raging Bull is the one that comes to mind when thinking of the high school experience. At the beginning of the ride, the anxiety and trepidation of getting to the top is nerve-wracking; but it also takes a lot of strength and bravery to finally get to the peak. When it drops, it’s the most exhilarating feeling- the wind is blowing in your face, and there’s nothing you can do but smile and enjoy the ride. When it’s over, it’s bittersweet, but in the end, it was worth all the stress because you got to enjoy the marvelous ride.
High School can be just like that, but only if you make the effort.
Everyone in one point in their life has gone through freshman year, and finally, with sweet victory, reaches that first day of senior year with a big smile on their face. Wiser than ever before, the class of 2014 has advice for the class of 2017 and to all underclassmen that’s essential to getting through that roller coaster ride, so fasten your seat belts.
Senior Robert Ljubic, member of the Varsity Boys Soccer Team for four years and often known as the class clown, had lots of educated and sensible advice about the high school scene outside of the classroom.
“People think that high school is a gateway to all these parties and a “YOLO” kind of lifestyle. But I’ve seen it happen to my friends and family my age; it all causes consequences. Drinking and drugs most certainly can screw up a person’s life, and it’s the last thing to joke about, or get involved in.”
Regarding friends and social life, Shpresa Delisi, former member of the soccer team and student government, reflected back from her freshman year and thought about her life as a senior now.
“Going into freshman year, I didn’t really know a lot of people. I was shy, but friendly to everyone. As the years went on, and I’m finally a senior, I’ve realized who my true friends are because they’ve seriously been there through all the stupid drama, boys, and just teenage issues we can all relate to.”
Relating to building relationships and figuring out who you are and/or who you want to hangout with, fellow senior Chrissy Bucior, officer on Orchesis, had rather enlightening advice.
“Have a mind of your own, and don’t follow or try to be like other people,” she said.
As we travel on the roller coaster, and get closer to the peak, senior Ariel Morgan describes a little bit of her ride.
“Make it memorable because as you get older, you don’t want to live in regret and think ‘what if?'”
Now, let’s see, if you’ve followed all the advice, you might just have the exact description I construed in the beginning.
The only thing left I ask is, was it all worth it?
Ashley Pak contributed to the story.
