The year 2024–2025 begins, and many new students may still be anxious at the beginning of the year, having fresh starts in new stages of their high school experiences. Hearing advice from current seniors from the class of 2025 on how to handle your high school experiences properly can help prevent some of the anxiety and misunderstandings of a new year. Let’s see what advice seniors’ have for underclassmen!
“My advice would be for them to try their hardest in class because it will be worth it in the end when applying to colleges and not to put much pressure on themselves when something goes wrong because mistakes are what make up life.” -Valentina Castillo, Senior
“I’d say that until your college applications have been submitted, you should put as much effort as possible from the first day you came into high school. These four years decide whether you have an opportunity to create a bright future for yourself or a long and bumpy road to find that opportunity. You should try your best from letting personal feelings or emotions get in the way of your academic success, such as turning in your assignments on time rather than playing video games and missing them. This is probably very common to hear as advice, but the fact that it’s always repeated proves how important it is. Everything that all the teachers and staff repeat every year is meant to set you up for success. It is easier said than done, but it’s not supposed to be easy. You must work for it and don’t want to realize that too late. So as a senior, my overall advice is to put in your best efforts and ensure that you won’t regret your decisions by the time you are also a senior..” –Benjamin Kim, Senior
“Don’t be too afraid to try and reach out to new people, I started the year introverted, and I tried opening up more and meeting new people. Certain points might have a pile of work; if you work on them, they will be smaller and smaller, and they will be nothing. Of course, take healthy breaks but don’t procrastinate. That will lower your GPA and cause you to lose the opportunity to get into specific colleges. If there is something you’re worried about class-wise, talk to a teacher, vocalize how you feel to help the concept being taught.” –Nina Martinez, Senior
“I would say not to waste your time worrying about things you’re not going to care about later in life and to enjoy as much as high school as you can because it’s over before you know it. Just get your mind into what you’re studying and enjoy it. With extracurriculars, I would say for underclassmen to do what they think is fun and things will benefit them for college, like honor societies and more.” -Andre Arana, Senior
“Don’t be afraid to relax a bit because I know colleges are gonna look at the most in terms of grades in our time. Don’t put all your focus on academics, and have fun during your high school experience. “ –Andrew Badio, Senior
“Don’t slack off on grades, especially during freshman year, since it will return and get you later during high school. Don’t start drama; avoid it, as it only brings you down. Go to all the events and have fun during your high school experiences.” -Javian Ramirez, Senior
