My first day at Linganore was my most memorable. This was the day when I realized I now had a fresh start. I could begin talking to people I’ve never talked to. I could belong in classes that I never thought I would take, and I am now open to endless opportunities. I knew that this is where I would find out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

I am now in my senior year. I am no longer playing ice hockey, but I am currently employed. My schedule is a lot less full, and I now have more time. I am just now fully realizing what I missed out on all of high school, and I encourage that people will not have their lives completely taken over the pursuit of a resume.

As a freshman, I was not nervous for the social side, I was worried about the educational side. I was worried about the numerous horror stories of the substantial amounts of homework and the constant studying and assignments. This worried me because, even though I was not a bad student, I was skeptical whether or not I could handle it.

At the end of the day, it only happened partly how I imagined.

My freshman year started out great, as I managed to balance my athletics and my academics at the same time. I was not bombarded with homework, and I was always ready to succeed.

Most sophomores get flustered. I did, too. As soon as I began to dive into my sophomore year, I began to notice that I was starting to get flustered a lot more easily. I constantly felt worried about getting assignments in on time, and I struggled to make priorities.

By my junior year I was busy on most weekends. When I wasn’t playing ice hockey, I was always working on something school-related. My schedule was always taken up, and due to this I missed out on things like Homecoming, spending time with friends and family, and attending other school events such as football games.

Another thing that I recommend, is to talk to as many people as you can. High school moves very fast, and you will regret not being socially active. Having friends is a key component to making high school less stressful.  

I regret not pushing for my schedule to be less full and procrastinating rather then being on task and working diligently. As high school is slowly coming to a close, I realized that we should always step out of our comfort zones when it comes to talking to people. We should branch out and not try to stay in the same clique.

Even though this a rewarding experience, because I wouldn’t have the grades I have now if it weren’t for my efforts, I still wish I approached school differently. I wish I used an agenda to keep track of all my assignments. I wish I had balanced school and social activities.

To all incoming freshmen, I urge you to not make the same mistakes I did. If you have a full schedule, and you get to that point where you are biting off more than you can chew, try to find a way to take a break. The best way to survive is to make a balanced plan.