Walking into high school as a freshman is intimidating, to say the very least. The first day quickly turns into a week, then a month, then a year, and before you know it– you’re a senior about to graduate. You hear it often, but these four years do fly by. As a senior about to leave Kaneland, here’s a couple things I wish I knew as a freshman.

1. Taking advanced classes is essential

As a freshman, teachers and faculty don’t express the importance of taking enhanced classes and what these classes can prepare someone for. When colleges receive the thousands of admissions, the way to stand out is the difficulty of classes he or she has taken. Many students don’t want to be in an enhanced class because of the extra work or work over summer. It’s time to get rid of that laziness. An individual can take classes over summer to have room for enhanced classes. Prepare for AP classes during  junior and/or senior year.

2. Go to sporting events whenever you can

Why not attend a basketball or football game? Some people say, “oh it’s not my thing” or “I’m just not feeling it.” Start “feeling it.” These events are a once in a lifetime opportunity, because senior year comes quick. Enjoy this time in your life while it lasts. Games can be so much fun and you’re nervous, bring a friend! Spending time around large groups of people also helps comfort levels when meeting new people. It’s always good to spend time meeting new people because most future job environments  require people to have good communication skills.

3. Don’t be afraid to join clubs or try out for a sport

This ties directly in with attending sports events. Partaking in sports and clubs can really expand someone’s comfort level and their ability to meet new people. Through sports and clubs, people are faced to work in groups for a certain purpose in the end. In order to gain the full high school experience, avoiding clubs and sports is never the answer.

4. Seniors don’t care

Let us be honest, seniors don’t care about freshmen. If something goes wrong, its always the freshman’s fault; it always has been and always will be. The best way to get on a seniors good side is to attend sport events and be a part of the school. Seniors love to see school spirit because that’s what they are mostly about. Go to sport events, be loud and be a Kaneland Knight.

5. Be yourself

This is repeated several times. Still, people choose to be who they are not and end up being a part of something they wanted to avoid. Peer pressure is very much alive in today’s world. This occurs at all high schools, even Kaneland. Don’t let others manipulate your beliefs or values. Stay true to yourself and keep a close group of friends around you.

6. Relationships are overrated

Every once in awhile, a harmless crush turns into a pretty serious relationship. It’s important to know that most relationships in high school do not turn out so pretty. Being yourself is really important when it comes to relationships. If an individual has to depend on another person to be happy, then it’s an unhealthy relationship. Being independent is very important because happiness should come from independence. Never allow the relationship to dictate decisions in your life.