Written by Thais Diaz
Books have a beginning and end and contain chapters in between that make books a lot like high school. High school starts, and every year is a different chapter that will eventually lead to the end. Each year may feel like it consists of the same things; studying, friends, and a little more studying. Yet, sometimes students might not notice how each year differs in preparing them for the future like in a book. People might not grasp how each part of a story comes together till the end, and it is the same for high school students.
The first chapter is freshman year, where students are venturing into a new world that may seem a little bit confusing. Some people may suggest starting strong and automatically focusing on academics. Some may also say take it easy and try to be sociable because it is better to focus on friends. However, this year everything has been a little different due to the pandemic. Freshmen Jonathan Konig says the best advice he can give is “after the teacher calls your name, take a nap.” Yet on a more serious note, he also says, “try to branch out and do things.” Konig means reaching out to friends and spending time doing extracurriculars.
For the second chapter, the sophomore year can be where the future comes into play. This year is where test prep and planning take place since the next chapters can become intense. However, high school can also have some drama. Sophomore Chloe Agenor has advice geared towards the social aspects of the year. Agenor states, “focus on your grade, your coin, and yourself.” She believes it is better to stay out of gossip and instead says, “don’t worry about what other people do, worry about what you are doing.”
Now for the third chapter in high school, it can get a little intense. Junior year may require some students to face the villain in their story: standardized testing. The SAT and ACT can be very scary for some students adding additional studying with their regular school work. It is also the last year to truly show colleges a student has what it takes to attend their institution. Junior year can be considered one of the most critical chapters in high school. Junior Nicole Raz says, “don’t slack off because it can get difficult, especially if you let it.”
The last chapter is where many students finally say goodbye, but not without a little bit of stress. Senior year contains college applications and maybe some tears. Senior Hailey Werner suggests, “start college applications as early as possible,” especially since some applications can be due when the school year starts. However, Werner also says, “manage your time in a way that includes fun activities” since senior year can include memories that last a lifetime. Senior year is the final chapter in the book called high school, but it is only one of many.
