Foolproof Ways to Make the Most of High School by Emily

Foolproof Ways to Make the Most of High School by Emily - March 2019 Scholarship Essay

As I led the new students through the hallowed beige halls of Westminster Christian Academy I would be purposeful to point out significant locations around campus and of course all the hot spots for student hangouts. In addition to the practical pointers, I would intentionally include a few tips for how to survive four years of high school and truly make the most of it.
My first recommendation would be to find friends, classmates, and teachers who have opposite viewpoints on various topics. Outside of the high school bubble there are bound to be more people with contrasting ideas than a large group of like minded individuals similar to yourself. Nothing will set you back more for the real world than only having friends who agree with you. Find someone you can debate with and teach you how to understand other people’s opinions rather than simply denouncing them. You will learn a million times more from people who differ from you than people who share many qualities with you.
Second, always make point to be respectful. Respect your parents, teachers, friends, classmates, siblings, and environment. Demonstrating respect is a sign that you truly care about other things besides yourself. Being rude to someone simply because they are not acting in a manner of your liking does not give you the right to try and put them in their place, instead be kind and caring with others and if there is an issue, deal with it maturely. Also, respect is contagious. If you show respect and care for others you will receive care and respect in return.
Lastly, work hard. Some people see high school as their time to goof off and do whatever they want because they have lots of time until college school really matters. Give everything you got even in ninth grade because it will help you build up a work ethic that will carry you through high school and college. It is important to be able to have balance between work and play in your life. By learning how to find time to focus on school but also hang out with your friends it will become more natural to have a healthy mix of everything in your future rather than becoming a workaholic or a non stop partier.
In general, high school is about growing. Take the time to put yourself in situations that will make you feel a bit uncomfortable but be extremely beneficial in the long run. Also, enjoy everything high school has to offer. Four years can fly by faster than you know, just ask any senior and they can attest to it. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to learn, grow, and teach and then you will rightly make the most out of high school.