Value the High School Experiences by Amber

Value the High School Experiences by Amber - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

High school: it is certainly one of the most stressful and rewarding times of a person’s life. It is a blend of countless social activities mixed with an advanced level of academics. For incoming freshman, entering a high school for the first time can be a daunting thought. However, there is one piece of advice that I have to alleviate this worry: get involved with your school and surrounding community.
I know some people just want to pass through high school, get their diploma, and move on with the rest of their life. They see school as something that must be suffered through, rather than enjoyed along the way. What’s the fun in that? I see high school as a chance for new experiences and opportunities that will leave a lasting impression for the rest of your life. I have had the privilege of joining various activities at my school, from sports to clubs. With these activities, I have made many friends from all sorts of social groups, including my athletic friends from track and field and the brainiacs from Science Olympiad. The memories that I have shared with these people will last a lifetime, which is why I recommend young students to become involved in activities at their school. The people that you meet and friends that you make in high school will always be remembered, even after you leave to start your life.
Besides being involved in small individual groups at your school, it is important to take part in large school events as well. For example, showing school spirit at pep rallies and Friday night football games can be a great way to connect with your fellow classmates. These events give you a sense of pride for your school and community that truly link you to the school. These widespread activities also allow you to experience once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can only be attained in a high school setting. Don’t miss out on these events within your community. You certainly won’t want to regret it later on in life.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you let school activities completely envelop your life as a high school student. Indeed, value the high education that you are receiving at your school and make sure to do your best in each and every class. However, while colleges do like to see a string of A’s on a transcript, it is also crucial to include various activities along with academic achievement. All in all, just do whatever makes you happy and whatever it is that you truly enjoy. Don’t allow other people to make you join clubs or activities that you don’t have any interest in. If you have a passion for art, join art club. If you adore playing chess, join chess club. If you love making movies and short videos, join media club. Just find some way that you can become involved in your school, while enjoying it at the same time. Looking back now, as I am about to enter my final year of high school next fall, I can honestly say that I have truly enjoyed the time spent at my high school. I can only hope that incoming high school students will be able to do the same.