As senior year begins to launch into full swing, it’s hard not to find oneself reflective on all of the decisions and moments that led to this, the beginning of the end. With all that I have learned in my experience at Middletown High School North, there are many things that I would have wanted to know if I was a freshman. As senior year begins to launch into full swing, it’s hard not to find oneself reflective on all of the decisions and moments that led to this, the beginning of the end. With all that I have learned in my experience at Middletown High School North, there are many things that I would have wanted to know if I was a freshman.

1.) Do what makes you happy.

Listed as first, specifically because it is the most important, do what makes you happy in high school. The next four years will undoubtedly be stressful: you will face increasing pressures to succeed for college, a new, overwhelming amount of work, and changing experiences in regards to friendships, relationships, etc. With all of this change, the most helpful way to maintain your sanity is to, at the same, be doing what makes you happy. Be friends with who you want to be friends with, dress how you want to dress, take the classes you want to take, join the clubs you want to join. Come senior year, nobody cares whether you are in CP classes or AP, if you do drama club or the football team, if you wear dresses or sweatpants. Care as little as possible what others think of you and you will have a much more enjoyable time.

2.) Do not worry about college so much.

Perhaps the biggest mistake I made throughout my four years of high school was dedicating my time, basing my choices, and overall managing my life around college aspirations. Every class I took, I took for college. Every activity I engaged in, I engaged in for college. Now, in my senior year, I regret the over-dedication I gave to college. While, of course, college is an important thing to keep in mind, once everything is said and done, you are going to wish you had lived in the moment rather than thinking constantly about the future.

3.) Join a club or a team and become an active member. 

When I was a freshman, the Civic Leaders of MHSN came into my transition room and told us that if there was one piece of advice that they could give us, it would be to join a club or team for four years and become an active member for the benefit of the dreaded college resume. Taking these words to heart, I joined the cheer team for four years, and can advocate for this advice, although for a different reason. Through cheer, I have made some amazing friends and have had a plethora of experiences such as the team winning the playoff game. Join a club or team that appeals to your interests and dedicate yourself to it; you’ll find out a lot more about yourself.

4.) Indulge in cheesy school events.

As an underclassmen, many think it’s cool to be critical of school events such as football games or homecoming. However, soon you will realize that you don’t have many left. Time will fly by in an instant, and pretty soon, you’ll have your last homecoming or your last football game. Go as much as you can before you cannot go anymore.

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“Actually study for upcoming tests and for the SATs.” – Nicole Gasser

“Don’t rush the moments of your life.” – Caitlin Mackay

“Make your mark on the school.” – Kerrin Fitzgerald

“Bring lunch from home.” – Caitlin Gesuelli

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself.” – Dena Lombardo

“Make goals and work to achieve them.” – Alyssa Kline

“Participate in school events.” – Megan Haddad

“Always do what you want to do.” – Bess Mascone

“Pay attention to your grades.” – Lauren Ahearn

“Be nice to everyone.” – Jill Connors

“First impressions matter.” – Alex Bacek

“Make sure you eat.” – Ryan Farrell

“Don’t let your grades define you.” – Shannon Gilch