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.