To the high school class of 2030: Don’t rush these four years
As I prepare to begin my sophomore year at the University of South Carolina, I have been thinking a lot about how much has changed since I first walked into high school as a freshman. At the time, I thought four years would last forever. Looking back now, it feels like they passed in the blink of an eye.
If I could go back and tell my freshman self one thing, it would be to not rush through high school trying to get to the next chapter.
As freshmen, many students spend their time counting down the days until they can drive, become upperclassmen, graduate, and head off to college. I remember doing the same thing. Now, as a college student, I would give anything to relive some of those moments one more time.
My biggest piece of advice to incoming freshmen is to simply say “yes” more often.
Join the club that sounds interesting. Try out for the team, even if you are not sure you will make it. Sit with someone new at lunch. Volunteer for leadership opportunities. Some of my favorite memories came from experiences I almost talked myself out of because I was nervous or thought I was too busy.
At the same time, do not lose sight of why you are there in the first place. I know it is not the most exciting advice, but your grades matter. Freshman year counts, and the habits you build early can make a huge difference later on. College applications may seem far away, but they arrive faster than you expect.
Work hard in your classes and challenge yourself when you can. Building a strong college resume does not happen overnight. It comes from years of consistent effort through academics, leadership positions, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
Do not spend all four years worrying about what everyone else thinks of you. High school can feel like a microscope at times, but the truth is that everyone is trying to figure themselves out. The things that seem like a huge deal freshman year will barely cross your mind by senior year.
I would also encourage students to put down their phones a little more. Take pictures with your friends, but do not spend the entire event trying to capture the perfect post. Some of my favorite memories are not the ones I shared online but the moments I was fully present for.
And for those who are nervous about starting high school, know that it is okay to be scared. Every senior was once a freshman standing in the parking lot on the first day wondering if they belonged.
High school will challenge you, but it will also shape you in ways you cannot imagine. My advice is to enjoy every moment and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, because one day you will be preparing for another year of college and wishing you could do it all one more time.