Seize the Days by Shelby

Seize the Days by Shelby - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

The greatest advice I could give to a younger student is the best advice I got going into high school. When I was about to begin high school everyone told me to always live in the moment and absorb everything that surrounds you. High school is more than just four years of school. It is a special time to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
In high school, it is so tempting to wish your way through. There is always something wonderful coming. Breaks, summer, prom, graduation, and so much more that seem like it takes forever for them to come. And lots of times it is really easy to say “I wish it would come already!” But, before you know it it does come and it is just about time to leave the school that molded you. The saying “I wish… would come,” is incredibly common to hear and in some ways it is so harmful to the high school experience. Some of the advice I would give would be to avoid those words. High school is a once in a lifetime thing and if you wish your way through you will miss so many experiences. Every single moment has some meaning even if it is just sitting around with friends because eventually you won’t be able to have everyone together and have it the way it is right now.
Always absorb your surroundings. Friday night ball games have one of the best atmospheres in the world. From wherever you sit: in the student section, with the band, or if you are standing on the field playing, there is something special, but it only lasts for your time in high school. Absorb that atmosphere. Remember the smells, sights, sounds, and everything else about that environment. There are so many events in high school that remembering the atmosphere can bring back all the memories that go with it. Sometimes, just take a step back and look around and take it all in.
Whatever you do through high school, never wish your way through it. It is a special time in your life and wishing your way through won’t actually get you through faster, it will only make it seem longer and make you miss so many experiences that will never come again.