- The Top 10 -
Things I Wish I Knew About Huntington High School Before Freshman Year
By Aliyah Cohen
Now that I am a senior, I feel like I have a pretty good grip on things around here. I have survived this far and surprisingly in one piece. High school can be a breeze or a nightmare and honestly, it shouldn't be either. The subtitle to "High School for Dummies" should really be "it's all about balance," because really, that's what it's all about.
"Everything in moderation," that's what my dad has always old me, and I agree. Unfortunately, in high school it can be hard to maintain balance and avoid getting absorbed into one aspect of school. For some it's the academics, for others it's the athletics or the social scene. I can't say I have maintained perfect balance, but I sure have given it my best shot.
Here is how-
1. People are nice
This might sound like an over-simplified generalization, but why complicate the truth? Everyone is in the same boat at Huntington High School. Sure we are a diverse student body filled with individuals from different backgrounds, but everyone wants the same thing - to be happy. I wish I knew that everyone is looking to be friends, that there's no need to stick to those cliques that form freshman year during lunch. With technology like Facebook and texting, it's much easier these days to get the guts up to initiate socializing with people you maybe wouldn't originally talk to. So do it! There is no need to be intimidated and there is all the need to put yourself out there. It's ridiculous that only now, with just a few more months left of high school, I am finally talking to people I was once too shy to because they were too popular or too pretty or too - I don't know, it all seems so silly now.
PS: LOVE YOUR FRIENDS! Take a moment to step back and really appreciate them because they really are the best.
2. Be resourceful
The high school has more resources than you think. No, being resourceful does not mean using the outdated artwork in the halls as mirrors during switching periods. If an elective interests you, even a little bit, take it. Maybe it will spark your interest and inspire you to pursue a particular career path, or maybe it will totally bore you and you can cross that off your list, which is equally important. Also, the library is a great place. I can't say I have taken out many books, but it is where I do all my networking regarding school work and studying and also where I eat my lunch in peace before senior privileges came along and brightened up my life (and before they cracked down on the "no food" policy.) Also, many people forget we have a basement and for me it has been a lifesaver because frankly, Blue Devils love to take their sweet ol' time in the halls and when you utilize the basement, you can actually avoid that and get to class on time. And just a heads up - prepare to spend your senior year in the college office. It will be your new home and eventually you will learn to love it, kind of.
3. Travel
Just because you are a high school student, doesn't mean you are immobile and tied down to Huntington. Sure, I know the town-rat deep down in each of us knows that spending the night at the movies and then maybe Frozen Yogurt or a friend's house is clearly the most convenient option, but seriously, Get Out! I have had the amazing privilege of participating in an Italian exchange program with a few of my classmates and a tour in Israel last summer for six weeks, along with other adventures. These trips are great but pricey, and although I was able to find scholarships and funding for such travels, not all trips are affordable. So if you can't take a plane somewhere overseas, take a train! We live in the shadow of the greatest city in the world people! But sadly, I rarely hear of us students taking trips there. My advice is; every chance you get, travel! Even if it is spending the night in Times Square for a friend's birthday or going on a hunt for the best hot chocolate on Long Island. Traveling is the best way to experience the world; to meet new people and learn not only about people in other places, but about yourself. Huntington will always be our home, but it isn't going anywhere.
4. Stand out
We all know us Huntingtonians love our lacrosse, Ralphs and the beach. Stay true to your Long Island roots, but keep in mind that New York has a lot more to offer than what you may think. Don't be afraid to stray from your friends, hobbies or past experiences. Explore something new. Even if people don't know I rock climb and mountain bike, I still do and I love every second of it. Being different is awesome and also a great way to be the best. Because, face it, even if you are an absolutely terrible stamp collector, there's a decent chance that you are the only one and therefore, the best!
5. Walk in shoes, don't fill them
When I look up (literally) at my 6'7 brother, Max, I wouldn't dare try to fill his shoes as I entered HHS as a freshman. But, follow in his footsteps as a star student, amazing athlete and great friend? That would be a challenge, but pretty sweet in the end. Only a few months into school I realized it was not a possible task. You have to blaze your own trail. Otherwise you'll go cross-eyed staring at the foot print in front of you that you're trying to replicate exactly and in the process you will forget to enjoy the scenery. I don't mean to say that inspiration from people you admire is not useful, because it sure is. But, you have to be your biggest inspiration.
6. Be your own secretary
Three years is a long time and if you are doing the right thing, you have probably been involved in a fair share of activities. However, everything you do in high school does not have to be an investment. You should do some things just because you love it. But in the end, it is unavoidable you are going to do some things just because "it looks good for college." But please, please, please; do not join 50 clubs. Take it from a post-applicant. It does NOT make a difference. However, when you do involve yourself in extracurricular activities, keep a running list of everything. Everything! This way, you don't punch yourself in the face when commonapp.org asks you for your resume 'cause, trust me, after three years it is hard to remember what leadership position you held in what club during how many hours per week in which grade. You get the point.
7. The SAT is boss
Just like coffee runs for an apprentice may lighten the work load on an intern, The College Board's question of the day will sugarcoat the SAT. I should have taken my own advice and actually done the question of the day. If I did, my SAT experience would not have been, well, second to my relationship with the DMV, the worst experience in my life. Maybe that was an exaggeration, but seriously, standardized tests will be your boss for a while and depending on how seriously you take them, the better you will do. Standardized tests are stressful and annoying and, well, I have nothing nice to say about them. Keep in mind though, numbers cannot define you. It sounds corny, but "do your best" and that is all that matters.
Side note: Hate notes to the College Board are not acceptable substitutes for AP essay questions. Just saying.
8. Teachers are people too
Being a teacher's pet is not suggested, but do be friends with your teacher. They have years of experience behind them and believe it or not, they were in our position at one point. Teachers come in handy, too! Most are motivated to help you succeed! If they didn't love helping us do our best, why would they put up with us everyday!? They will stay after school for extra help even if that means they have to arrange for a babysitter or pick-up their dog from home. If you really like a teacher think about interning with them. It is a great opportunity! Also, much to the administration's chagrin, your favorite teachers are more willing to distribute passes which comes in handy (especially when you haven't had a chance to watch the weekly newscast on the fancy schmancy TVs we have.) Most importantly, scout out teachers to write you college recommendations when the time comes because it is a real pain to scramble trying to find a teacher who you don't think will remember all of your missing and late homework.
9. Enjoy your youth
I may not be the most credible source for this advice since I'm not even a quarter into my life but I hear it a lot, and I am sure you do, too. Just because we are strong, strapping, tall, tan and handsome teens, we are not indestructible. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't play sports and run around like a super hero saving the world. Saving the world is not your job or responsibility, but you know you have the power! When you have the time, get active. If school sports aren't your thing, keep in mind that you don't have to be coordinated or athletic to get yourself involved in some sort of athletic fun. Ultimate Frisbee tourneys, bowling, ice skating, hiking, horseback riding, badminton, beach volleyball, yoga, Mexican juggling, you name it. Being active is especially amazing because your body releases endorphins that make you love yourself which is the most important thing. Just know that you're going to need some sleep, something that by the end of high school seems foreign.
10. Hakuna matata
So Pumbaa and Timon knew what they were talking about after all. No worries everyone! Isn't that nice to hear? It's true. When your world seems like it is crumbling and you find yourself in teenage wasteland, remember Hakuna matata. Put things in perspective and realize that pencils wouldn't sell without erasers because people know that mistakes are part of life. And the great thing is you can always learn from your mistakes. It's my senior quote for a reason.
Well that's ten, but there are a ton more, such as enjoy the little things, be creative with your social life, have school spirit, value the family you have, be artsy... You should know that this is me and my experience. I hope you take this lightly and with consideration that your experience will be a unique one worthy of your own top ten list. So take a deep breath, because this is high school.