I remember walking down the 200s hallway on my first day at Hunterdon Central. I had no clue how to find  my first class , and it was even harder to find some familiar faces. It was overwhelming. Looking back four years later, there’s so much I wish I’d known then.

I wish I’d known not to stress about the little things.  Everything, no matter how small, seemed like the end of the world. Being late to class, getting a bad grade, having a fight with a friend — things that seemed so important then are things I can’t even remember now. Freshman, please try not to focus on those things. Instead focus on aspects of your life that your future depends on, and the things that you will remember. Spend time with friends, family, and those who are important to you. Take time to do the things you love. Play your sport, create your art, and do what your heart desires. Find a way to chase what you want and achieve your goals.

Don’t worry about what others think of you.  Everyone wonders what the people passing them in the halls think about them. You’ll always feel the need to fit in, so no one can judge you. But suppressing who you are won’t make you happy. Be yourself. Wear what you want, don’t hide your true personality, and do what you love. When you are yourself, the right people will find you and they will accept who you are.

Of course, you should always try your best in class, but try not to stress about it too much. Make time for the other things in life that you care about. Spending too much time stressing about having a good GPA won’t really make it change. A few bad grades isn’t going to ruin it. Note that colleges will look at so much more than just your GPA. Don’t take AP classes because everyone else does, take them because they interest you. When signing up for classes, don’t just think about if you can get a good grade; think about what you would enjoy most.

Four years is a long time to learn, and these lessons that took me years to learn won’t take you as long.  I know if I were able to listen to myself now, I would have had a much easier high school experience. Good luck, reach for the stars over your next 4 years of high school!