1. The world is bigger than my high school

In high school, cliques, rumors, and daily popularity contests have a way of permeating through the conscious of every student, creating the idea that social life stops existing after leaving campus. However, taking a step away from it all can provide significant perspective about what is actually important. For me, reading in local cafes, going on hikes and bike rides, and visiting the nearby major city was enough to remember how many possibilities and people existed outside of the high school drama.

2. How to take care of myself and my body

I quickly learned in my first year at high school that my days of running around as a little kid who could eat whatever she wants were over. My metabolism was changing and I had to make deliberate changes along with it. During my own time, I studied nutrition and joined a gym – two decisions I knew I’d take with me long after high school. The knowledge and skills I acquired proved to be an even greater help in college, where temptation is worse and you have to prepare food on your own!

3. Everyone was a lot more similar than I thought

High school was a race to define yourself – to find the single group whose interests most closely matched yours and to cling onto it for dear life. After four years, it felt as if we had all sacrificed our individuality to conform to certain social categories. Upon entering college and the real world, we were all shocked to realize how much we all actually had in common by virtue of growing up in the same place. I realized how many potential friendships were lost due to trivial pressures and expectations.

4. Teachers can teach you a lot more than a lesson plan

My English teacher had told us too many incredible stories during class for me not to ask her further questions after class had ended. She turned out to be one of the most inspiring, incredible women I’ve ever met, and she eventually became my close friend and mentor. She guided me along the college process and helped identify the perfect school for me – the school I attend today. While teachers are often thought to be a student’s worse enemy, they can truly provide great resources, knowledge, and friendship during a difficult four years.

5. Being a nerd is okay

My biggest fear in high school, like everyone else, was being made fun of in public. Like all my peers, I always wanted to do what was thought to be cool, hip, and rebellious. However, after freshman year, I discovered that paying attention in class could actually be fun and valuable. If I had to spend almost six hours a day in the classroom, why not be engaged in what I had no choice but to learn? I began to ask more questions in class and feel more curious about the world around me. I learned that this new approach would enrich not only my academic life, but also my personal knowledge and development.