No Regrets, Just Reflect! by Jourdan

No Regrets, Just Reflect! by Jourdan - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Each year of my junior high school education, every one of my teachers would caution students to the winds of independence that are high school. "High School teachers won't accept late assignments. If your name isn't submitted in your header, you won't get credit. You'll be expected to study every day, at home, and they won't tell you that you need to." These were common phrase around Illinois Elementary School, a small suburban learning environment. We must have considered ourselves lucky in 8th grade with all the talk of how tough high school would be.

A year later, I began my freshman year, which happened to be one of my favorite academic years and full of learning new life lessons. I quickly learned that some of what my past instructors warned us of was true. Teachers in high school certainly have a higher expectation of students, and perhaps those middle school lectures were in our best interests. I was prepared because of each experience in my prior years. I would caution you, as an incoming high school freshman, to take a look at each of your previous experiences: grades, teachers, and favorite and least-favorite subjects. Imagine each of those factors at a high school level and how it would effect you as a student and as a person. Would you be satisfied with a B in Algebra? What if History becomes your new favorite subject? Go into high school asking yourself questions and learn to reflect on your previous experiences; that's how personal growth is established. The answers to those questions will forge a roadmap as you navigate the halls of high school, both figuratively and physically.

My next piece of advice would be to get involved! High school is a brand new opportunity to meet people, make impressions, and have fun. Whether it's band or basketball, find your niche activity, you never know what kind of awesome outcomes await you. I joined track & field, mathletes, scholastic bowl, and key club my freshman year, and I was quite busy as a result. These newfound activities and programs will teach you how to manage your time. As I mentioned, some classes will require that you go the extra mile and study at home each day, so make time for that. Also, remember to have fun. Find an extracurricular that makes you happy, I'm sure there will be a plethora to choose from. After-school programs also help when you decide to apply for colleges in your senior year, they'll want to know what kinds of activities you've been involved in.

The last and most important note is to be fearless. High school may seem a little scary at first as a newcomer, but you'll get the hang of things in no time. Don't be afraid to ask your teachers questions, or make new friends, or try new things; that's what high school is all about. One day you'll be able to do it all over again when you get to college. For now, take your time as a brand new set of experiences await.

Let's recap: remember to reflect on your past experiences and determined what worked and what didn't. It'll also help you discover what you may or may not like in high school. Don't forget to have fund and try new things by getting involved. I'm sure your high school will have lots of new opportunities for you to find your extracurricular strengths. Last, don't be afraid! Life is full of new experiences, and high school is one of the best ones you'll have. I hope that puts things into a better perspective for you and excites you for what's ahead.