Dear underclassmen, 

When people told me that high school goes by quickly, I never believed it. However, it feels as though just a month ago I was still a freshman in high school. Senior year goes by the quickest out of all four years. Once the second-semester starts, you instantly have prom, then field day, senior pranks, and finally, graduation. I’ve told everyone that I cannot wait to get out of here and go to college, but that feeling went away about a week ago. It is scary to go off on your own, and no one should feel judged by that. I do, however, have advice to the underclassmen that a senior told me my freshman year.

Every high school will forever be full of distractions. Whether it’s parties or time on social media, prioritizing your time correctly is a key factor in graduating. It’s important to understand that setting goals and having your priorities straight, which will allow you to have the right mindset for the years to come. This doesn’t mean that having fun and hanging out with friends is not an option. It just means that there are times when you have to choose more important matters to achieve your goals. However, you have to remember that everyone learns and grows differently. If you were to compare yourself to the boy or girl sitting in front of you, it will be an unfair comparison. Things aren’t usually the way they look on the outside and we unconsciously begin to compare ourselves with people we barely know. Instead of looking at others’ progress, look at where you are currently and recognize your aspirations.

The only thing I can say is to use your time correctly before you have no time at all. Senior year is easier than the rest, but don’t believe that waiting until the last minute is the best option. Go out and have fun, but don’t be afraid to say no. It’s your life and your path, but please, just choose wisely. Four years truly go by in a blink of an eye but do the things that make you uncomfortable. One day, it would be the first day of high school, and the next, you’re walking onto the stage to receive your diploma. To all of my friends and acquaintances I have made, thank you all for showing me that change is possible and it is okay to adapt to new.

Yours truly,

Cheyenne Niehoff