The High School Advantage: Making the Most of Your Time In High School
- On the Money Magazine
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Franklin Hughes, Arizona State University, Fall 2024
With only four years of high school, it's essential to make every moment count. Each year offers unique opportunities for growth, learning, and personal development, so how can you make the most of it? In this article, we'll share four pieces of advice to help you navigate high school successfully and make the most of your time.
Get Involved!
Immersing yourself in extracurriculars during high school is essential for several reasons: Skill development, self-discovery, personal growth, social connections, and beyond! Entering your first internship or club should be both an exciting and humbling experience. While it may be inconvenient, considering factors like pay and time, you gain invaluable insight and expertise that will aid your career journey. Don’t underestimate this!
You Are A Product Of Your Environment
Being around positive influences is key to a successful high school experience. Bad company can corrupt good character and lead to serious consequences. Often, bad company stems from the desire to please others. In a YouGov poll from 2022, “49% of adults surveyed self-identified as people-pleasers” (Ballard, 2022). Knowing your motivation for pleasing others can help you establish healthy boundaries and embrace self-acceptance.
The First Wealth Is Health
Mental health is an important first step attributed to being surrounded by good company. Taking care of your mental health should be a top priority, especially during transitions. Jacob, a junior at Crane Medical School, commented, "I lost my father, which made transitioning scary; I felt like I lost an anchor." Neglecting mental health can stall personal growth and hinder resilience. According to Harmony Healthcare IT, “around 68% of college students express stress about the upcoming school year, and a considerable number report experiencing mental health issues impacting their studies” (Harmony Healthcare IT, 2024). Students must engage in practices that support their mental well-being, like seeking help, nurturing healthy relationships, and developing effective coping strategies. Jacob shares, "Freshman year, I mainly focused on surrounding myself with the right people that would encourage me further."
Take Life With An Open Hand
It's human to want to be the most intelligent minds in our lives, yet we become our harshest critics. “Take the next small step,” says Mr Rowlett, a librarian at Harold Washington Library. Rest in the grace of not knowing everything and recognize that it's okay not to have it all figured out. Being teachable is an asset; it fosters new perspectives and deeper truths. If you think you have all the answers, you may miss new insights. Humble yourself. After all, life’s a learning experience.
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