This is where it all begins. Dear Freshmen... by Jessica

This is where it all begins. Dear Freshmen... by Jessica - March 2019 Scholarship Essay

Class of 2023:

My advice to you? Stay focused; step outside of your comfort zone; learn the meaning of procrastination; visit your counselor on your own; and last but not least, relax in your new home for the next 4 years make new friends, get involved and enjoy.

Stay your focus on the future. Drama and problems with other students are so common but you have to try to ignore it. Understand the social hierarchy of high school is absolutely wrong, but exits. Right now, it's "Who's cool?", but, in the end, the hierarchy that really matters is your class rank. It's so crucial that you stay high up in that ranking if you plan on going to college. It’s very easy to have your GPA drop and twice as hard to bring it back it back up. So being in the top 5% of your class is what is cool, believe me...I’m living proof!

Try classes and programs that you might not normally be interested in. You will be surprised at what you could learn from the experience. Challenging yourself can be very rewarding.

Don't think that you are not going to procrastinate. Procrastination will be your middle name in high school! However, with good friends, a good support network, and a good head on your shoulders, you can turn procrastination into action. The pressure you put on yourself will mirror the pressure you'll experience in college and that will help you deal with stressful situations in the future. So in the case, your new middle name can prepare you for what to expect in college, and thereafter.

Getting familiar with how high school works or why it matters to you can be overwhelming. Make this your one for the first things you do oppose to the negative things that Freshman worry about. Join clubs in which you have a common interest and shared values with other students. Don't be afraid. Don't think people are better than you. Don't be afraid to talk to people and develop friendships. Friendship also includes teachers, advisers and your counselor. Make a point to visit your counselor just because, not because you are required to. Get to know your counselor during these 3 years so in that Senior year, they know who you are personally, not just as a student. And in return, those letters of recommendations will come with ease. They won’t be the generic ones, but more personal (most effective).

Lastly, live in the moment. Before you know it, high school will be over, and you can't go back. There are no do-overs here. Live and have fun during your high school years and try not to have any regrets. These will be the best 4 years of your life, trust me!

All the Best
Senior, Class of 2019
Executive Board Treasurer, National Honor’s Society Member, Student Council Member, Varsity Poms Member