1,461 Days
1,461. That’s exactly four years. Exactly how many days you will spend attending Juab High School. 21 days ago, you started your freshman year. You’ve been met with new friends, new teachers, and new classrooms. You’ve caught on to which teachers are more laidback and easy-going and which teachers gave you a three on a project you deserved a four on. You know the sophomores are relieved to not be freshmen anymore, the juniors are always tired, and the seniors are barely ever seen in class.
What you don’t know, however, is how fast it goes by. 1,110 days ago, I started my very first day at Juab High School. And just like some of you, I was a nervous wreck. Luckily, I had my sister by my side. She was a junior, and I thought she was the coolest girl in the world. Unluckily for you, you might not have someone to guide you along the way. Well, if you’re someone looking for help, here’s some advice that will make your high school experience fun and unique to you.
Nobody really cares. No one cares what brand your pants are, no one cares about if you wore pigtails or not, and nobody cares what you look like! This is usually a hard topic for people to understand. Oftentimes we get so concerned about our looks and what people think of us that we forget to be happy. Yes, you will get the occasional comment on your image; that’s not an if, it’s a when—but nobody really cares. Nobody but you. And you should care! Care about your hair, do what you think is cute, care about your clothes, and wear YOUR favorite brand—not someone else’s. Care about everything that’s important to you and forget the rest.
Make your time YOURS. Find what your interests are and invest your time in them! If you like football, you’ll be happier throwing a ball than singing on a stage. And if you like theater, you’ll be happier dancing in front of 300 people than getting pummeled by a 250-pound man. Whatever you like to do, DO IT. Go see a new movie every Friday night or stay home with your grandma crocheting. However, never forget to get your assignments done. Working hard on your assignments in class saves you time outside of school to do more of what you love, as well as keep your grades up.
Overall, I say this with sincere appreciation for the ones who taught me this as a freshman: always, always, be kind. Maybe that girl sitting next to you in Spanish talks way too much, but maybe she has no one else to talk to, or maybe you’re the only person that will listen. Sit next to someone new. I know it’s corny, and every single assembly you’ve attended since kindergarten has told you the same thing, but coming from someone who has eaten lunch alone several times in her life, it’s just one small thing that can make or break someone. Share your favorite songs with someone next to you on the bus. Hold open the door for a stressed teacher. Be the reason someone smiles today.
So with your remaining (approximately) 1,353 days at this school, I encourage you to follow this advice. It not only will help you throughout high school, but it can also change your life for the better. Always try to see the good things in this school. I know it’s hard at times, but gaining a good mindset now can create the absolute best results for you.