High school. Just saying it evokes a range of emotions in many people, and it can seem like stepping into a whole new world where everyone seems to have a secret that you don’t. Looking back, there are a few things I wish someone had actually told me before.
- Everyone is figuring it out.
- No one has all the answers, not the seniors, not your classmates, not even your teachers. It’s totally normal to feel lost sometimes (maybe even all the time). It’s okay not to have everything all sorted. You will figure it out, one step at a time. Even those who seem like on top of everything are just as confused as the rest of us.
- Friendships change, and that’s normal.
- Some friends will stick around, some will drift away, and some will surprise you by returning later. I had friends that I wouldn’t go a day without talking to at the start of Grade 10, who are now on a different path than me. It can feel confusing at the time, but it’s just part of growing. Focus on the people who make you feel understood, not on trying to make every connection permanent.
- Grades matter, but not as much as you think.
- Tests and assignments are important, but they don’t define your worth. High school is also about discovering what you enjoy, developing skills, and learning to navigate challenges. Being a perfectionist, going into high school, the stress of maintaining perfect grades overtook everything else that I wanted from my high school experience. Sometimes the lessons you learn outside the classroom matter more than the grades on your paper.
- Awkward moments are unavoidable and forgettable.
- You’ll probably say something weird, trip in the hallway, or send a text to the wrong person. It will feel huge in the moment, but most people move on quickly. Laugh at yourself and let it go, because it’s part of learning and growing.
- Try new things
- Clubs, sports, electives, please please please don’t be afraid to step into the unfamiliar. You might discover something you enjoy, meet people you connect with, or realize you’re better at something than you expected. High school is the perfect time to experiment.
- Pause and notice the small moments.
- Between assignments, exams, and social pressures, it’s easy to get caught up in stress. But take a moment to notice the small victories, the jokes in the hallways, or the time spent with friends. These are the memories that stick.
High school isn’t perfect. It’s messy, awkward, and sometimes frustrating. But it’s also a place to learn, grow, and discover who you are. The challenges, mistakes, and surprises are part of the experience, and they’ll make the victories that much sweeter.