• Put Your Best Self Into Your Work

Always put effort into your schoolwork,and try to be enthusiastic about what you’re doing. If you don’t go into something pessimistically, it will be a much better experience. Show your personality in class, and don’t be cynical about the class. If your teachers like you and understand where you’re coming from, they will be much more willing to help you out – plus it’s just kinder to show some grace to teachers who are actually doing their best. 

• Be Open to Friendships

Strike up conversations with people in your extra-curriculars, and people with whom you’re not the closest. Don’t just stick with your first impression of someone, actually try to be open to learning about them. It’s a cliche, but often you end up the closest with the people who you never expected.

• Pick a Couple of Extra-curriculars You Care About

Be active in your school community and it will be a better place to go to every day. You will be able to make more friends and have an impact on the world around you. Also, don’t resume pack with a bunch of clubs and activities you don’t actually care about; you will never be satisfied with the amount of time you can invest into any one pursuit, and it will become a source of stress. If you’re worried about having things on your college resume, put a lot of energy into being the best at a couple of things you really want to commit to, and it will definitely make a difference.

• Start Some Hobbies Outside of School

Don’t rely on school extra-curriculars as your only hobbies. It will not look as good on your resume, and you will be left without the ability to self-start. You can’t find total fulfillment if you are always only looking to outside sources to tell you what to do. It’s a good idea to start exploring options you might want to do in the future or to get a first job.

• Don’t Stress

Don’t let school or friendship issues consume your life. In the end, these problems will not matter that much, but your time wasted on misery will be something you regret. Live your life in the moment at EHS, and you will get the most out of it.