High School Advice

How did you make new friends in high school? How important are friends in these years?

1. The reality is, you will grow distant from some friends. You will still greet each other passing by in the halls, and wave hi from time to time, but there’s going to be some distance. I personally am still close friends with my best friends from middle school, but there are some friends I never thought I would grow distant from. But it’s alright.

2. Most of your new friends just come from being yourself. Either they will barge into your life, or you will - that’s not supposed to be a bad thing. Many of the new friends that I have made was just from messing around in class or just opening myself up to those around me. If you put in the effort, you will become friends with them. Sure, it will take time and it might be a lil awkward, but trust me, you gotta build the foundation before anything else. For instance, my closest friends in senior year… I met in my spanish class while we messed around. Another friend: I pestered them and literally started from baby questions to get to know them; I would say hi everyday and ask them like, what’s your favorite color? Do you have any pets?

3. Friends are super important. It’s not hard, don't make it hard bHAHAH. Easy for me to say, I know, but really. Yes, there are some real big jerks out there that may be the worst friends ever, and it does take time to weed them all out, but you have to realize that you are never truly alone. You’re always going to have someone that will listen to you. My pet peeve is when people say that they have no friends… really? That’s an insult to the people around you who care about you. Open yourself up, little by little. Don’t worry.

Should s/he play sports or do other activities? How do you find activities that are right for you?

1. If you have an interest, just do it dude. I was in track for 3 years in middle school and I decided to do it for 2 years in high school. And I wasn’t forced to. I loved running and I had a friend to share my experience with. But after a while, different factors drove me to not return 2 more years; people have different reasons, but for me, it was because of the coach and the feeling of being left out on the team. But I still loved running. Just because you “quit” something, it doesn't mean that you should feel guilty or regret. Don’t stay in something you don’t love. You find the activities that are right for you by just trying them out. Sure, there’s some activities that you might not be able to do, but if you get an opportunity, and if you have an interest, DO IT. You have time. You should 100% participate in different activities. Not just because colleges want to see that-- do it out of your interest and your heart. You are going to meet so many new people and learn new things about yourself. If you don’t like something, don’t stay in it. But if you are absolutely stuck there, make the most out of it. I was put in Drama 1 in my freshman year and I was PISSED, but listen, it became one of the most important classes that I have ever taken. Once your mindset changes, you could enjoy things you never thought you would.

What should s/he know about the 9th grade? Or the whole high school experience?

1. This is coming from an overachiever (eheheehehe) and you might be like, that’s not me I can’t do that SHUT UP YES YOU CAN. Dude, it’s all up to your mindset and effort. You know the key to success? Come closer I’ll tell you. DO YOUR SHIT DUDE. The day you get your work, just finish it. If you get a project, brainstorm and start the first day; work on it a little bit everyday. Study just a little bit everyday. You do have time, you just have to make things a priority. And I know overcoming procrastination is easier said than done, I know, because I had to learn how to do it. But you have to start making small habits first and try to break it. It’s not going to happen just one day. It takes time. I stress this because 1. As long as you get your work in and you actually STUDY for your tests and quizzes, then your grades will be fine. 2. you have so much free time after. And you don’t have to stress. This goes into the fact that YOU GOTTA HANG OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS. High school isn't all about grades. Be spontaneous. Wear what you want. Talk to the people you think are cool (and not toxic). YOU make your own experience fun. If you sit on your butt and let things pass, you're going to regret it. Don’t be a negative nancy. You are only in high school once (unless you want to be a super senior, don’t do that I’m going to punch you).

If they were to face distance learning, what are the must-dos and what are the no-nos?

1. Again, just do your work. You have more time than usual. And of course everyone’s going to have different circumstances that they have to deal with, but I know that you can do it (if you just put that damn phone down). Keep wearing your mask when you go out and remember to check on yourself, your friends, and family. Oh and Exercise.

2. Don’t put work off. It piles up and it makes you feel worse.

What are some great books s/he should be sure not to miss? Movies? Music?

1. BROOOOOOO YOu gotta watch Train to Busan. It’s a korean movie and it’s so sad. You’ll sob. I think.

2. I personally like The 1975, SHINee, anything indie or k-pop/k-R&B.

3. Read some manga dude and watch anime

How can you develop and keep a good relationship with your parents?

1. I think communication is key. They might not understand you and only care about their perspective, but you just have to understand that even when they aren’t what we expect them to be, they still care and want what’s best for us. It’s frustrating I know. Parents are all different. Don’t be discouraged from what you don’t have or don’t get from them (tangible and intangible).

What is something you regret about your middle or high school years?

1. I don’t like saying I regret anything, because as cliche as it is, all those “regrets” teach you and make you stronger. But, I guess, as I didn’t really have my senior year experience: I wish I had hung out with friends more, and I wish I got to ask someone to Kingsball. I didn’t go to any dances because I was waiting for senior year- don’t wait. Just do everything. Just have fun.

Rules for dealing with romance

1. I’m sorry but I don’t think anyone can be in love in high school. You are like, 5 years old. Sure you can meet someone and think you guys are absolutely perfect, but…. You never know. If you knew this person since like birth maybe that’s a different story but you can’t just automatically fall in someone you just met. That’s just signing up to hurt yourself. Tt shouldn’t be from looks or the attention that they give you.

2. But you can still allow yourself to have crushes. If you like someone, just tell them. You never know. If you have a feeling, just go for it.

3. Being in the friendzone isn't bad either-- don’t you think it’s better to be friends first before you literally commit your entire soul. That way you can learn about each other better. High school romances go too fast in the beginning. Don’t get together so fast, you don’t know anything about each other. You don’t. And if you think being a simp is a bad thing, the door is over there. Everyone romanticizes stuff, and if you never put in the effort, sorry bud no one is gonna like that.

How do you know when something is real (love, friendship, etc.)?

1. If they are there for you, and you are there for them, all that matters. It’s important that you’re happy and able to be yourself with them.