• Don’t get involved in things you have no interest in just because everyone else is

Your best friend was just named captain of the football team, and he is constantly trying to get you to join. But you would much rather watch from the bleachers and try out for cross country instead. Do not let your friends talk you out of what you have a love for. Go join the cross country team. High school will be much better doing what you enjoy.

• Don’t be afraid to be yourself

I cannot express this enough. Do not be afraid to follow your passion. If you have an interest in theater, go try out for the upcoming play. If you have a love for sports, go try out for that team you have been dying to be a part of. Or if you have a love for math, join the math team.

• Don’t consider a college just because your friends are

You drive thousands of miles away from your home and fall in love with a school the moment you step on campus. You come back home and find out your best friend is only going an hour away from home. You make a 180 and choose to stay close to home and go to the same college just because your best friend is. No. Go to that college you fell in love with. Do not let others impact your decision.

• Don’t overload yourself

Some people try to take on five honors classes along with two sports within the same semester. They stay up every night until 2 a.m. You see the stress in their eyes and hear it in their voices. Do not overload yourself; it is simply not worth it.

• Not doing well on the ACT/SAT is not the end of the world

I struggle with test anxiety, and I know many people do. Taking the ACT/SAT was a struggle for me despite how much I tried. Of course I am not saying to not try. You always should strive to do your best, but if your scores are not a high as you want, test-optional schools are always there too.

• Don’t let your parents influence you too much

Parents constantly suggest things for you out of love; they just want you to do your best. But that being said, do not let them influence you completely. You will one day have to be on your own, and it is better to figure yourself out now rather than when you’re out in the world.

• Don’t burn bridges

You never know who you will end up becoming friends with through high school or even who might offer you a job someday. Don’t let something small between you and someone else turn them into your enemy. They may turn out to become your best friend someday.

• Sleep

Please please please get some sleep. It is so important to get however much sleep you need to function the next day. Your day will start much better. Your test scores will be better. Your friendships will be stronger since you will not be tired and not want anything to do with them. And sleep is good for your overall health. School is important, but so is sleep.

• You have to have time for yourself

Having time for yourself is just as important as spending time with your friends. You need to have days where you sit around and binge-watch Netflix with some coffee. Or days where you go hike around at Berry. You have to have balance in your life and that includes your “alone time.”

• Don’t be afraid to talk

If you got something on your mind, don’t keep it to yourself. That’s not good for your health. Find someone to talk to whether that’s your best friend or a teacher.  

• Dating is really not that big of an issue as people make it out to be

Your best friend goes on a date and has fallen head of heels for this guy. You start wanting to be in a relationship because you feel like it is part of being in high school. It really is not that big of a deal. You will go off to college in four years. Don’t push for dating so much in high school; you will find your person when it is time.

• Don’t rely on social media too much

Yeah, social media is nice. You get your news from there. You see what your old friends are up to. But do not let it take over your life. Having time face to face with those old friends and your news friends is a must.

• Be organized

When it is time for you to take that test at the end of the chapters, you will be thankful that you had dates on your notes and kept things in order.

• Friend choices

Darlington has something special: diversity. Do not do not do not choose your friends based on ethnicity, sexuality, gender or rumors. Have an open mind, and embrace what the world has to offer.

• Everyone is going through something so be kind

As “13 Reasons Why” showed those who watched it, everyone is going through something. Being kind to everyone you meet is so important. Smile at people as they walk pass you in the hall; talk to new people; or help the new guy who seems lost in the lesson. It doesn’t take much, but that little bit of effort could go a long way.