Student Outlook -- Matt Meredith
High school is almost over for us seniors. While these past four years
have seemed like our entire lives in some ways, as they come to a close
it is amazing to realize how quickly they have gone by. It seems like
just last Tuesday we were asking kids twice as tall as us how to get to a
certain room number, not wanting to be tardy on our first day of class.
There have been many ups and downs, but as a class, we have learned a
lot. Hopefully, we can impart these tidbits of wisdom upon aspiring young
freshmen.
The No. 1 way to have a successful high school career, as most
graduates would probably agree, is to be yourself. Sure, it is a cliche,
but it became a cliche because it is so true. As satisfying as it is to
have a girl talk to you one day -- based on your new trendy clothes, your
colorful language, or the surfboard under your arm -- it is all fleeting.
In the long run, you will be happier with yourself if you do not try to
act a certain way that pleases others.
Remember, high school popularity ends a fifth of the way through your
life. You have got seven or eight decades after graduation where inner
peace and self esteem mean more than what a certain group of people
thinks of you.
Another requirement of having a successful four years is to get
involved.
Be active at your school in any way you like. You do not have to be
good at sports to get a lot out of them -- you’re listening to the ideal
example on that one. You do not have to know people in clubs before you
attend a meeting or two. Clubs are a great way to meet potential friends
with the same interests. You certainly do not have to be Franklin Delano
Roosevelt to join the associated student body or some other committee. It
can be fun, rewarding or just plain interesting to help change your
school.
You do not have to have some reason of great importance to take an
art, drama or music class -- try things out. Not all of your
extracurricular activities will turn out great, but it is worth attending
five clubs’ meetings to find one you love. You are only in high school
once, and the classes, clubs, committees and sports are all basically
free of charge. Take advantage.
Be warned though: the phrase “It looks good on college apps” is evil.
From a practical standpoint, resume boosters are a plus, but if you ever
participate in something solely for that reason it probably will not be
worth it.
Yet another important aspect of high school is first impressions and
their subsequent student-adult relationships. They are more important
than you may think. Your teachers and counselors can be your best friends
or your worst enemies, and a lot of it depends on how they perceive your
intentions and character when they first meet you. Get to know your
teachers and counselors. These are the people who can offer you
invaluable advice.
These are the people you will remember, and try to be like, when you
are an adult. On the practical side, you have a much better chance of
getting the classes and teachers you want if you have a good relationship
with your counselor or administrative staff. Also, you are more likely to
get additional help from teachers whose classes you may be struggling in
if you and the teacher are not at odds. The adults at your school are
there to help you, not to keep you in a place you do not want to be, and
often they want to help you. Again, take advantage.
In general, I’ve learned that whether you are talking about high
school or life, listen to older people and Disney movies. While their
advice may seem overly simplified and trite, it is information that is
tried and true. And finally, don’t even try out for the cheer squad.
* MATT MEREDITH is a senior at Newport Harbor High School where he is
editor-in-chief of the Beacon. His columns will appear on an occasional
basis in the Community Forum section.
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