Dear Underclassmen,
Whether you’re a sophomore, freshman, junior, or senior, high school can be a difficult and arduous time. However, as a graduating senior, I would like to give some advice I wish I had been told before I became a senior. First of all, a common lie told is you don’t have to try as a senior (as most people have committed to college and junior year is what colleges look at). This, although true, is not a great idea. I had this perspective going into senior year. Soon, I realized if I failed even one class, I would have to take summer school. With that being said, I ended up making my year harder than it needed to be. I figured I needed four maths and no study hall to get accepted to college. I was sorely mistaken. As long as you handle your applications early and well and your college doesn’t require a certain number of maths / languages or 28 credits, don’t feel bad taking a study hall or not taking a fourth math.
Another huge part of Carroll that I regret not doing earlier is simply participating in extracurriculars. Clubs, sports, or events are all ways to make new friends or even new hobbies/interests. One thing I am so glad I participated in and originally didn’t want to is Kairos. I was a part of K113 (bless the nest) and it truly was the greatest experience of my life. I made new friends, made friends with people who I had a negative opinion of, got closer to people whom I didn’t know well, and grew to have a newfound respect for God and Jesus. I 100% mean it when I say everything since Kairos has been the best time of my life. Without spoiling anything, Kairos made me see the world differently, and I was no longer worried about just being myself, and being outgoing — all of this because I decided to try something new.
Finally, I truly hope you all enjoy your time at Carroll. “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Thinking back, I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. Freshman year felt like yesterday and now I’m getting ready to be completely on my own for the first time. Of course it’s exciting, but a part of me is still scared. I’m extremely happy I made the absolute most out of my last few months of high school, but looking back, I wish I stopped and looked around and saw how much more I was capable of than just sitting around and doing nothing for three years. I’m grateful for all the friends and forever bonds I’ve made, the things I’ve tried, and even the trouble I’d get into. It has made me who I am going into college and if you try to enjoy your time here, you’ll feel that much better going into college after your senior year. “The only impossible journey is the one you never began.” – Anthony Robbins.
Sincerely,
Alex Rosen
