By Ali Saunders — CCHS Class of 2024
The Class of 2028 will descend upon CCHS this month, ready for the newest — and perhaps even final — chapter in their academic careers. Having just graduated in June, I have some advice for you. I hope it is helpful and, most important, brings peace and perspective before the school year begins.
You don’t need all that stuff
Going to the store and buying everything in sight is fun, but you’ll carry around your everyday supplies in your backpack, so cut out unnecessary items. At CCHS, a lot of work is done on computers. For physical note-taking, I recommend a notebook for each class with an inside folder. Classrooms will have all other required materials, so keep it simple; you can adjust as the school year rolls out. Target and Staples aren’t going anywhere.
Know your guidance counselor
Your number one resource in high school will be your guidance counselor. Having a relationship with them will make daunting tasks feel like a breeze. Struggling in a challenging class and thinking you may need to drop down? Not sure how to begin the college process or how to change a free period? Talk to your guidance counselor. Becoming comfortable with them early on will help you throughout your high school career.
Branch out on friendships
When beginning at a new place, you can find comfort in familiarity, whether it’s people like you or activities you’ve done before. But high school is about learning both inside and outside the classroom. You’ll be exposed to groups of people you have never interacted with. Understand the real beauty in becoming friends and building relationships with people who are very different from you and who have seen the world differently. Many of my favorite memories come from throwing myself into settings I was not used to, like walking down to the music wing and listening to people playing in the studio, even though I had no clue how to read a single note or play an instrument. Within a week, I had a new appreciation for people with passion that I had not yet experienced.
Be present
Live in the moment, and have fun with new experiences. Like many people, I saw high school as a time and place to work hard to get somewhere else — college. I learned it’s more beneficial to fully embrace the moment and the opportunities you have right now. Join clubs and sports teams, create a talk show on WIQH, perform in the musical, cheer for your classmates at sporting events, and enjoy where you are — instead of just worrying about where it will take you.
Good luck! You’ve got this!
