As the 2016-2017 school year comes to an end, upperclassman share the wisdom they have acquired throughout the year.

“Dear incoming freshmen,

Branch out wherever that may be. If it is at the Freshmen Retreat or at the beginning of the school year. Step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Talk to them. Smile at them…because, after all, a simple smile can make anyone’s day. And branch out at school in general too. The one thing I regret is not doing so, and not signing up for that many clubs and not being as involved in school life. It is definitely hard to navigate high school life right away, but I wish I got more involved.”

Sincerely,

A current freshman

“Dear incoming sophomores,

My biggest regret this past year was that I wanted first semester to pass by quickly. I was anticipating SIEP and other fun sophomore opportunities that I knew would occur during second semester. The year did end up going by quickly, but I was unhappy about this. My sophomore year went by in a flash. So enjoy every minute of sophomore year because before you know it, you will be a junior. Now that I only have two years of high school left, I want to enjoy my time left and make it count.”

Sincerely,

A current sophomore

“Dear incoming juniors,

My advice is to take a risk, step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of the skills and opportunities that you are offered. My biggest regret in my high school experience is that I didn’t take the Speech and Debate class at school. To be involved in Speech and Debate requires you to step outside of your comfort zone, and I wish I had taken the initiative in doing so. Unlike many classes, the skills that you can learn from this class are not ones that serve you strictly in that class, but are applicable in different situations throughout your life. For any who are considering taking this class, or are in a situation where they are unsure about what class to take – take a risk.”

Sincerely,

A current junior

“Dear incoming seniors,

I say don’t waste a second. I don’t think I seized my first semester as much as I could have. It’s simple: just enjoy every moment of your final year in high school.”

Sincerely,

A current senior