Getting A's in high school and admission to notable colleges are important but shouldn't be what defines your high school years. Remember, the time you get here is precious as you step into adulthood and there is still plenty more to do before donning that cap and gown and walking across the stage.
1) Form relationships with your teachers
Many forget that teachers are humans too. Some once had hair before going bald, were kings of their fraternities, cheated on tests, chugged handles at parties, said some embarrassing pick-up lines, jumped off cliffs, played in the pro-leagues, etc. So don't be afraid to approach them, chances are they've gone through much of whatever you may be experiencing now and can provide you with great advice. Treat them as friends and potentially begin a lifelong relationship. Especially when it comes time for college applications and you're needing recommendations, you'll be glad you did.
2) Consider starting a business
For most of you, high school will be the most time you will ever have to start a business while living with your parents so why not take the opportunity to do so? No need to start the next Facebook, just begin mowing lawns and then get your friends to work for you or initiate something else simple. Not looking to become a business major? No problem! Soon enough, you will learn that everything is connected to business (even church!) and appreciate the fact you even considered starting one. At this age, you have little to lose and the experience is something you will never get out of the classroom, so why not? Maybe you can become the next great CEO of a company and even if that never happens, at least you made some dough in the process.
3) Take Spanish seriously
Or German, Chinese, French....Whatever your language, take it seriously! Even being bilingual will open many doors for you career wise and earns you respect among natives that speak the language. Plus, becoming more proficient in your language during high school will save you the headaches of having to take several language classes in college to catch up in foreign language credits (at least at my college). Anyways, keep at it! ¿bueno?
4) Learn to code
In this day and age, technology is all around us which means jobs will become more techy (sorry, I know that's not a word...). That said, knowing how to use computers is a must but I'm not just talking about knowing how to turn off your computer or changing the font size on Microsoft Word 2016, I'm talking about coding! Heard of Python? Java? C++? If you have not heard of any of these, I suggest looking into them ASAP. Even if you're not remotely interested in sitting in front of a screen typing lines of code instead of snapchatting your friends, knowing even some of the basics will put you light years ahead of the pack. In addition, there's always a shortage of people that know how to code and if anything, starting salaries might make you reconsider your career path.
5) Enjoy and relax!
High school can be intense and stressful, that's just the reality of life. But it doesn't have to be all work. Classes are an opportunity to meet people, make friends, and form lifetime relationships while having a good time through home games, orchestra & band concerts, homecoming, and much more. And maybe none of what I mentioned really matters to you which is fine, but make sure you make the most of your high school years because you'll never get that time back.
