1. Control what you can control
   Instead of constantly trying to control everything that happens in your life just “roll with the punches.” Bad things are going to happen, handle the situations with grace and maturity, but don’t try and change the things that you simply can’t change.  Trying to do this will be a waste of energy and time. You can control the effort you put into your schoolwork, how hard you work on the athletic field, and how loud you sing in the chorus. Focus on those things.
2. Try new things
   Don’t be afraid to try different things.  Darlington is full of so many opportunities that aren’t offered in many places- take advantage of that.  Be a leader in the dorm. Participate in the Winter Musical.  Step out of your comfort zone.  Don’t miss out in finding a new passion because you fear change.
3. Be open to new ideas
   Open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. Even if you don’t agree, allow others to voice their opinions and try to understand where they are coming from before disagreeing. Listening to others ideas can you make you so much more knowledgeable about so many different things. 
4. Spend time with your family
   Time spent with family is not a burden, it is a blessing and the sooner you learn this, the better. Looking back, most of my most cherished memories from high school are the ones where I have been surrounded by my family. Your aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents are wise- soak in their advice and learn from their experiences.  Spending time with family is not “uncool,” take advantage of your last few years at home with the ones who love and care about you the most.
5. Worry less about trivial things
   In the grand scheme of things, the failed pop quiz or the demerit for your shirt being untucked do not matter. Do not spend your time worrying about the little things. If you make a mistake, learn from it and let it go. Dwelling on the little things will take your eyes off of your major goals. Keep your eyes on what really matters.
6. Be true to yourself
   Do what you want to do, play the sport you want to play and most importantly, follow your heart.  Don’t concern yourself with what your parents want you to do or what your friends are telling you to do- do what makes you happy. Life is too short to not follow your heart, and high school is the perfect time to do this.
7. Challenge yourself
   Do not be afraid of failing. Take risks. Nothing great happens inside of your comfort zone.  Take an AP course that challenges you. Accept a larger role on your team. Try out for the lead role in the play. Challenging yourself will really help you find out what you’re good at and what you’re made of.
8. Have fun
   Don’t worry about how silly you look or what people think of you, enjoy high school and have fun.  Participate in lip-sync at Rumpus. Paint your face and be a bleacher creature. Attend the mixers and dances. Soak in every opportunity that Darlington provides and have fun doing it.
9. Steer clear of gossip
   Gossip never results in anything that isn’t ugly.  Don’t talk about others and don’t spread rumors about others.  Avoiding drama and gossip will make high school 1000x better.
10. Don’t follow the crowd
    This one is so important. Be your own person and stick to your identity.  Don’t do something that you will regret because you are trying to impress a group of people. Don’t not do something that you enjoy because you are afraid what others might think.  Your true friends will love you and stick with you no matter what you are involved in or not involved in.

You will wind up at the college you are supposed to be at, don’t spend your 4 years concerned only with that.  Remember that it is a blessing to be at a place like Darlington.  Soak up every moment because it will truly be over before you know it.