Your High School Career: A Three-Course Meal

The following was submitted by Julie Bash:

Dear Incoming Class of 2016,

When I look back on my high school career a smile is instantly applied to my face because I have nothing but a positive attitude towards the experiences, memories, and sincere friendships that I have made. I can remember myself entering being fairly timid about what to expect; the unknown.

However, I told myself one thing and that was to get involved and to get involved fast. Through various clubs, organizations, and sports teams, I was able to find my niche with the Student Council program at our school. By getting involved with my school, I was able to make a variety of friends in all sorts of social groups and branch out of my own individual comfort zone. I’ve come to realize that when you sit back and not participate you simply gain nothing, and often have a powerless feeling. On the contrary, by getting involved you are taking a step of accomplishment and working to make things better.

Another tip I have for incoming freshmen is to honor commitment. Once you get involved and find your niche, be sure to commit to that passion 110 percent. When you engage yourself wholeheartedly into something that you love, you will be successful while at the same time you will enjoy yourself. Having determination and commitment will ensure you nothing but excellence throughout your high school experience. Have determination to strive to do better in your classes, and commit to sports teams, clubs, or other organizations that are of interest to you!

I realized that you could relate your high school experiences to a three-course meal. Your first year of high school can symbolize an appetizer, because you are given bite size pieces of what high school even is and what these years will mean to you.  Your second or third year can then be viewed as your entree, in which you are being served or participating in the clubs or sports that are of interest to you on a much broader scale. At the same time throughout these two years your workload is becoming more advanced. Your fourth and final year is your dessert. This is the year or meal you have looked forward to and anticipated for the most. This is the most desirable year; however, this year goes by the fastest. Cherish each and every moment of your high school career because in the end you will have the most tasteful memories.

Lastly, I ask that you take advantage of every opportunity so when it comes to your final year; you are left with a full stomach of memories and success. Bon Appetite!