3 Tips for High School Seniors
Today our very own college intern, Pierce Gidez, is taking over our blog to share his tips to help high school seniors navigate the transition to college:
Advice for my High School Senior Self
As a college senior about to graduate, it’s wild to look back and think that four years ago this time, I was getting ready to graduate high school. To say that much has happened in the past four years would be an understatement.
Looking back, there are a few things I wish the high school senior me would’ve known. It was an anxious time - and that was without a pandemic. Not knowing exactly what the future would be like was stressful. A lot of the advice friends and family were giving at the time was nice, but it didn’t really speak to feelings of angst or uncertainty - feelings that I’d bet many high school students are experiencing these days.
So here are three things that I would have told my high school senior self about life after graduation. Even though they’re coming from a total stranger, try to take them to heart. They’ve helped me and my friends through tricky patches, and they apply to just about every situation.
There will be change. Embrace it.
Something they don’t really tell you is just how much change is at your fingertips.
The first thing I would say to my former self is, “embrace change”. Whether you’re going to college, a trade school, or jumping right into work, your experience after high school will be full of change. It can be tempting to resist change and revert back to your high school self. As hard as it might be in the moment, embracing change has the potential to make your life a zillion times better. You’ll try new things, learn new things, meet new people and come to new conclusions about yourself and the world around you.
Change is inevitable. How much you lean into it is up to you.
Ask for help.
Especially in high school, there can be a real push to develop independence and self-reliance. Both of these are great character traits, but they can come at the risk of isolating yourself. It might seem oxymoronic, but asking for help is one of the best ways to foster independence and resilience after high school. Asking for help is a strong stepping stone towards self-advocacy. Whether at work or in tertiary education, asking for help enables you to get past awkward or anxious boundaries, and grow as a person. The more you ask for help, the more you establish yourself as a person with distinct needs and potential.
Asking for help is also a great icebreaker in new situations. I’ve met some of my closest friends by sticking around after class and asking for help. Bottom line - there’s everything to be gained and nothing to be lost by asking for help.
It’s totally normal if at first the fit feels “off”.
This last one goes out especially to those high school seniors about to start college. This past year has made it particularly challenging to get to know the school you’ll be attending, so if you find yourself worried about your choice, just know that you’re not alone.
Even at dream schools or perfect jobs, there can be a period of time where it might feel “off”. Meeting new people, adjusting to new schedules, maybe even moving across the country - these are all situations that can give rise to feelings of doubt or anxiety. Did I make the right choice? Do I belong here? Am I good enough? To feel these anxieties is completely normal! It’s not a feeling often talked about, but most people will feel this at some point in time.
Just like change, starting a new school or job can be daunting. Finding a true sense of belonging might take a minute, but it will happen. You will find your tribe. You will get into your groove. You will have those “ah ha!” moments when everything clicks into place. It just might take a minute.
So if you find things feel “off”, try tips one or two.
This next part of your life is all about learning who you are as a person. So lean into change. Ask for as much help as you can. And don’t sweat it if things don’t always go to plan.