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Reace:

Hi! And welcome back to the interns’ chair. I’m your Ascension Public Schools’ Public Information Office High School Intern and host, Reace Dedon. On the discussion table today is surviving high school and preparing for college.

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Reace:

 

If you’re a human being and have been alive for anytime in the past 40 years, you’ve probably been told that “high school is the best four years of your life” or “don’t grow up, it’s not as fun as it seems”. Almost every teen movie you’ve ever watched has shown High School as being this amazing unforgettable experience. 

But let’s be honest. That’s not high school. It will most likely not be the best four years of your life, it’s only the beginning. There is so much societal pressure built around high school when in fact it’s just four year of your young adult life you spend trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of it. It doesn’t mean high school can’t be enjoyable though. Keep in mind that I am no expert, this is only a testimonial.

 

One of the biggest pieces of advice I received as a high school freshman was to be as involved as possible. And while this is valuable advice, I must add. Don’t overfill your plate. It’s good to have a heavy plate, but if food starts falling off it’s no longer enjoyable. The five second rule does not apply. Find your unique interests and niches and involve yourself there. 

During my freshman and sophomore year I tried to be in every club I could, but I wasn’t truly involved in most of them because I couldn’t find the time. But, during my junior and senior year, I allowed myself to cut back and spend more time on the activities that truly interested me, like theatre and art. 

While Science Club was fun and important, it wasn’t for me. And there are some clubs you don’t need to be in every year. I was only in French club for two years while I was in the class. Taking the class allowed me to be more involved in the club, but once I wasn’t in French class it was much harder to participate. I was stretching myself way too thin in order to make everybody happy. 

Your best bet is sticking to your interests. You like art: take art, join art club, apply for Art Advanced Placement. You like band: join band, participate in the festivals. You like theatre, take the theatre class, join Theatre festivals. You like math: take math classes, join Math Club, compete at literacy rally. 

Find your niches, and keep your plate heavy.

High School can be stressful at the best of times. During your four years there, you’re also expected to be planning the next four years of college or career. It’s a lot to ask of a teenager. 

The only questions adults seem to ask high schoolers are “What are you doing after graduation?”, “Where are you going to college?”, “What are you majoring in?”. It’s intimidating. Sometimes it feels like you can’t even take a breath before you have to move on to the next thing. 

But don’t let it get to you. It’s so easy to feel pressured into making a decision that you may even make the wrong one.

It’s okay to not be sure what you want to do for the rest of your life. And the answer does not have to be college. There are so many opportunities available you just have to look. The more you explore your options, the easier it is to make an informed decision. 

Don’t know what college you want to attend? That’s ok. You don’t know what you want to major in? That’s fine. . You feel so lost, you don’t even know where to start. Don’t stress. This is only the beginning. Success comes with time and perseverance.

You will be pressured, you will be stressed. There is no doubt about it, but you’re the only one who can fix it. You must help yourself. Take charge of your own future. Grab at the opportunities that come your way.

Your young adult life is the time you can spend becoming who you truly are. Use this time to explore to your advantage. 

 

And I will leave you all on that note. This has been Reace Dedon, your PIO High School Intern and Host. It has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you so much for listening and tune in next time to the Interns’ Chair, but remember I am just the Intern.

 

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