As the year came to an end, this writer found himself conflicted as to the message he wanted to convey with his last column. There were thoughts about reminiscing over the wonderful times experienced here at LHS, but then he realized that no one would care. Much like the old man who sits and tells old war stories to the wall, that kind of column just would not bring enough interest for an audience. There were also thoughts about saying thank you to the teachers, and everyone who has been important during these past three, and even 13 years; but again, who would want to read that?
The last thought was to write a field guide of sorts, a guidebook for underclassmen. Overflowing and filled to the brim with knowledge, the column would serve as advice to the future LHS graduate. While in reality it may have turned out far less majestic, hopefully these tips could help at least one student.
The first tip: make friends with the teachers. The species Homo magister, or more commonly known as “teachers,” live in school buildings, often sleeping under their desks or in supply closets. Living strictly on a diet of apples and pencil shavings (a good source of fiber), most teachers rarely leave the confines of their communal living environment- or “school.” While most teachers thrive off of building students up, some of them have been known to occasionally snack on the students’ souls. However the one point to keep in mind when dealing with teachers, is to befriend them. Sometimes this involves what’s known as “brown nosing;” the origin and meaning of said terminology remains unknown. This may be advantageous to the student’s grade, but sometimes it actually ends up being a good strategy. Teachers can turn out to be amazing friends; they are not all bad.
Another tip: enjoy the time here. While students may at times feel like a snake struggling to free itself from its scaly, dried, old skin, remember that after graduation, there is no coming back. One can not go back and do the things they wished they had done in high school. It sounds weird now, but eventually students wish they could stay longer. So become involved, join a club, run for ASB, and take some fun classes. As advice from someone who is involved, one will not regret it.
Finally, do not wish too much for graduation. In the time to come until that day, one goes through more emotions than a pregnant mother. Anticipation and excitement are sure to be there the entire time; it is hard not to look forward to an event students have been preparing for their entire life. One might also experience worry, for as with graduation comes much uncertainty over future plans. Perhaps the worst emotion students feel, is grief. That sounds weird, but most students can fail to anticipate the loss that comes with graduating. In one day, students will lose many of their friends they probably take for granted. Those students who made for such great conversations in English, that kid who helps everyone with those painful math problems- chances are graduates may never see them again. And if one moves away for college, he or she will even lose most of their close friends. It is not a thought students like to think about, but when it hits, it hits hard. So the moral is to savor the time here, and enjoy the people who are here as well.
A book could be filled with the things this writer wishes he had known before starting high school, but these are some main points that will make high school easier. Furthermore, thanks for reading these columns this year. It has been a blast writing them.
Cody “Alvin” Solders
-Online Editor
