What Students Really Need to Hear
The author's view on how high school is not so much about learning from a textbook as it is the life lessons that go along with it is a very interesting and eye-opening way to look at high school. Assuming that the author of this piece is a teacher, the first few paragraphs of the piece were a reminder to me that I am not the only one working hard to get good grades, but the teachers that are handing me the tests and assignments are also working hard to make sure that all of their students live up to their fullest potential. The author stated that "the main event [of high school] is learning how to deal with the harshness of life when it gets difficult" and that "you will face far greater adversities [than those you face in high school]" (Mielke). These words struck a little bit of fear in to me, because high school has not necessarily been easy for me. However, I have learned that teenagers have a tenancy to over react to situations that in reality aren't that stressful. The imaginary audience, something that almost every teen goes through at varying levels, also likely took its effect on me throughout my adolescence. I think that the thought that the entire world revolves around me, and that people are always out to get me has made high school seem harder than it really is, and I see this now as I look back as a more mature person in late adolescence.
Letter to My Freshman Self
To Myself as a Freshman in High School,
I am writing you this letter to better prepare you for the journey ahead. I remember being in your shoes, nervous and afraid of making the sudden leap into a world of more responsibility and grades that really matter. While I can't tell you that High School will be easy, I can tell you that it is the most fun you'll have had to this point in your life.
Looking back, there are a few things that I wish that I had done differently in my high school career, so I am writing to you with hope that you won't make the same mistakes that I did. First of all, don't take school lightly, even in the "easier" classes. I realize that it can be very difficult to put your best effort forward when almost no one else is doing so, but you will regret following the crowd when it comes to school work. As cliche as it sounds, I ask that you make sure to study for every test, do your homework, set goals and achieve them.
Secondly, let your social life come to you. Be yourself. If you have to make a special effort to be friends with somebody, that maybe that person isn't worth your time in the first place. If you spend the hours that I did wasting my time trying to fit in and not stand out focusing on your studies, you will be more successful and proud of what you accomplished overall. Try and see yourself in the future, and see if you will be proud of what you have accomplished years after you graduate. Remember that your grades from your freshmen year count just as much as those from your junior year.
Lastly, as I hinted to before, just be yourself. You'll be happier and more successful in every way imaginable. While you might not necessarily notice it now, you are going through a stage where you will tend to be more concerned about what others think about you than your own happiness. Here's a hint: you like school, and you like to learn. You like to play Pokemon and do things that aren't necessarily socially accepted as "cool". Let it out and be yourself and don't worry about weird looks in the halls and people snickering behind your back. Chances are, you'll make better friendships being who you really are anyways.
Sincerely,
Your Senior Self
Letter to My Future Self
To My Future Self,
Now that you are long past adolescence, and worrying about your self image is a thing of the past, I am sure that you are starting to reflect on your life so far. One thing that I worry about a lot as a high school student finishing up my senior year is having regrets when I am in your shoes. Whether it is running, school, or work, I want to be able to retire when I am old and look back on my life and be proud. Hopefully this vision stays with me for years to come. Erik Erikson, a German nineteenth-century developmental psychologist, concluded that the key to contentment for for those entering their elderly stage of life is quality reflection on one's life.
That said, I hope that you have found someone to love. As you may remember, this is something that you never had the opportunity to experience in high school. I think that there is a lot to be said for love, whether it comes in the form of your wife, girlfriend, family or friends. It is the most important thing when it comes to living a happy life, so when someone loves you, show them some love in return.
Be Proud of what you've accomplished. My goals as I exit high school are both high and acheivable, so my guess would be that you are a happy man.
Best Hopes and WIshes,
Your Senior Self
The author's view on how high school is not so much about learning from a textbook as it is the life lessons that go along with it is a very interesting and eye-opening way to look at high school. Assuming that the author of this piece is a teacher, the first few paragraphs of the piece were a reminder to me that I am not the only one working hard to get good grades, but the teachers that are handing me the tests and assignments are also working hard to make sure that all of their students live up to their fullest potential. The author stated that "the main event [of high school] is learning how to deal with the harshness of life when it gets difficult" and that "you will face far greater adversities [than those you face in high school]" (Mielke). These words struck a little bit of fear in to me, because high school has not necessarily been easy for me. However, I have learned that teenagers have a tenancy to over react to situations that in reality aren't that stressful. The imaginary audience, something that almost every teen goes through at varying levels, also likely took its effect on me throughout my adolescence. I think that the thought that the entire world revolves around me, and that people are always out to get me has made high school seem harder than it really is, and I see this now as I look back as a more mature person in late adolescence.
Letter to My Freshman Self
To Myself as a Freshman in High School,
I am writing you this letter to better prepare you for the journey ahead. I remember being in your shoes, nervous and afraid of making the sudden leap into a world of more responsibility and grades that really matter. While I can't tell you that High School will be easy, I can tell you that it is the most fun you'll have had to this point in your life.
Looking back, there are a few things that I wish that I had done differently in my high school career, so I am writing to you with hope that you won't make the same mistakes that I did. First of all, don't take school lightly, even in the "easier" classes. I realize that it can be very difficult to put your best effort forward when almost no one else is doing so, but you will regret following the crowd when it comes to school work. As cliche as it sounds, I ask that you make sure to study for every test, do your homework, set goals and achieve them.
Secondly, let your social life come to you. Be yourself. If you have to make a special effort to be friends with somebody, that maybe that person isn't worth your time in the first place. If you spend the hours that I did wasting my time trying to fit in and not stand out focusing on your studies, you will be more successful and proud of what you accomplished overall. Try and see yourself in the future, and see if you will be proud of what you have accomplished years after you graduate. Remember that your grades from your freshmen year count just as much as those from your junior year.
Lastly, as I hinted to before, just be yourself. You'll be happier and more successful in every way imaginable. While you might not necessarily notice it now, you are going through a stage where you will tend to be more concerned about what others think about you than your own happiness. Here's a hint: you like school, and you like to learn. You like to play Pokemon and do things that aren't necessarily socially accepted as "cool". Let it out and be yourself and don't worry about weird looks in the halls and people snickering behind your back. Chances are, you'll make better friendships being who you really are anyways.
Sincerely,
Your Senior Self
Letter to My Future Self
To My Future Self,
Now that you are long past adolescence, and worrying about your self image is a thing of the past, I am sure that you are starting to reflect on your life so far. One thing that I worry about a lot as a high school student finishing up my senior year is having regrets when I am in your shoes. Whether it is running, school, or work, I want to be able to retire when I am old and look back on my life and be proud. Hopefully this vision stays with me for years to come. Erik Erikson, a German nineteenth-century developmental psychologist, concluded that the key to contentment for for those entering their elderly stage of life is quality reflection on one's life.
That said, I hope that you have found someone to love. As you may remember, this is something that you never had the opportunity to experience in high school. I think that there is a lot to be said for love, whether it comes in the form of your wife, girlfriend, family or friends. It is the most important thing when it comes to living a happy life, so when someone loves you, show them some love in return.
Be Proud of what you've accomplished. My goals as I exit high school are both high and acheivable, so my guess would be that you are a happy man.
Best Hopes and WIshes,
Your Senior Self