Explore All That High School Has to Offer by Hugh

Explore All That High School Has to Offer by Hugh - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

As a senior in high school, I am able to look back and see all the opportunities that high school had to offer me. My advice to younger students is to explore these opportunities and embrace them to make the most out of your high school experience.
Early in my high school years I pushed off becoming a part of sports or clubs because I wanted to grow accustom to the environment. Little did I know that being active in clubs or sports only expedites the process of getting used to a new school. They allow you to make friends and connect with peers that have similar interests as you. High school is a time to explore and enjoy what you are doing. Even if you aren’t sure exactly what your interests are, join a group that sounds appealing. Who knows? It could be the passion that propels you through your four years in high school. The benefits of getting involved in high school sports or clubs greatly outweigh the drawbacks.
One of the things that I failed to recognize for the better part of my high school experience was all of the sporting events and concerts that are available right in your school for little to no cost to the students. Football games, basketball games, or band concerts are great ways to connect with friends and support your fellow classmates. Often, sporting events have student sections where you can hang out with friends, make new friends, and cheer on your team all at the same time. The atmosphere is always exciting and energetic and one of the best experiences of high school.
Many schools also put on a talent show or plays that you can participate in. These are great activities that generate close friendships. Even if you don’t feel you have a talent or aren’t up for acting, watching other students perform keeps you connected with your peers.
My greatest regret in high school is not grasping these opportunities when they were presented to me. I focused too much on my studies and homework, and as a result, felt detached from my classmates. I’m not implying that schoolwork isn’t important, but rather enjoying the high school experience is equally important to doing homework and studying. This past year, my senior year of high school, I finally took time to capitalize on the opportunities that high school has to offer. I joined the tennis team for the first time and went to my first dance in high school. These experiences were some of the best that I had in high school and I wish that I had learned to explore them out sooner so that I could enjoy them even more.
You only get high school for four years of your life. It may seem like a long period of time at the beginning, but it flies by quicker than you can imagine. My advice: take advantage of the vast amount of opportunities so that you can enjoy the experience along the way.