As we welcome the Class of 2029, we seniors have the opportunity to pass down the tips and tricks we have learned from our high school experience. We have all made our fair share of mistakes, which have helped us grow into better people. Through these experiences, we have learned how to help ourselves and others. 

So I hope that our current freshmen can use this article as a guide to better manage and navigate their experience at GHS. These are the three most important do’s and don’ts that I have learned from my time at GHS.

1. Get involved

You are now able to learn and participate in so many new experiences. Take advantage of this. You can find great communities and good friends who truly understand you. 

I have never been a member of any clubs. When I checked out some clubs, I didn’t stay very long, and it has been one of my biggest regrets. I missed so many opportunities to meet new people and participate in new experiences. Don’t make the same mistake I did, make the most of these four years, and don’t be afraid to try new things. The friends you meet here might be there for you later in life and help you in your darkest moments. 

2. Always be on time

Many of us are late all the time; this tendency to be late is harmful to so many parts of our lives. I have learned that being early or on time is best for you and everyone else in your life. 

When I used to be late all the time, I lost a lot of instructional time, and in some cases, I fell behind in my classes because of this. You should try your best to always be on time, because high school is just the trial run for jobs and the real world. If you’re constantly late, it can ruin your reputation among your peers and employers. This is the time to practice before the consequences become worse than just missing an English lesson.

3. Take summer school classes

Summer school is not something to overlook. Every year of attending Glendale High, I spent time studying in the summer school program. Doing this opens up your schedule in the fall, giving you more room to take the classes you love. 

Focusing on one class during summer school can help you do better, especially if you have a hard time with that subject. I have always struggled with math and science, but I completed my science classes in the summertime, and I managed to pass them with my best grades ever. You can do this, too. You just have to be willing to put in the work, allowing you the time to have fun later in the classes you truly love.

Ultimately, freshmen, the time to step up and take charge of your future is here. By learning good habits, making more connections and using the opportunities available to your advantage, getting through high school won’t be as difficult as it might be. 

This will help you to grow into a better, more mature person, someone who is best prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that GHS has to offer. You’ll also be a strong contributing member of our school community. If you simply put more effort into your future, you will blossom into the best version of yourself.