Graphic by William Becker

opinions, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. In a high school as large and diverse as Rose, students are going to encounter many other students of different religions, beliefs, political stances and opinions. We aren’t saying that you have to agree with everybody you come across; that would be close to impossible. However, it’s important to be respectful and considerate of others and their differences, regardless of whether you agree with them. If there’s one thing everyone learns in high school, it’s that arguments and fights go absolutely nowhere but down, so don’t start one when it isn’t needed. Agreeing to disagree is a skill that unfortunately seems to be in short supply nowadays, so remember the value of it.

     Second, be productive in order to have free time. You will have homework; it is inevitable, but do not spend all your time sitting in front of it and wasting your time. Do what’s assigned to you and move on. My (Emma) biggest regret was all the procrastinating that I did while attempting to complete my homework. I’ve learned to sit down and do my homework and then I will have so much extra time to spend doing things I love, like hanging out with my friends. Also, if I would wait on the weekends to do my homework, I would have this weight on my shoulders thinking about all I still had to get done. My best advice is trying to get everything done before the weekend, and then you will only have what is assigned to you on Friday. If you have something due in a few days, try to do it as soon as you have some free time. Spend as much time as possible with your friends because before you know it, many of you will be going in different directions and it will never be the same.   

     Third, give your teachers the utmost respect and appreciation for what they do, because they don’t get that enough. Teachers spend years of their lives providing students with the best education they can for a salary that’s much lower than they truly deserve, and that’s not even accounting for the fact that they also have to break up fights and deal with irritated parents from time to time. With all the time and effort teachers put into their students, the least their students can do in return is show their appreciation. Whether that be a thank-you note, a box of their favorite candy or simply asking how they’re doing, showing your teachers that you value and care about them can mean the world to them.

     To sum up our advice and repeat what you have heard a million times, high school is what you make of it. We suggest that you respect your peers and teachers, and make time for your friends. After all, high school will go by faster than you think. While the days go by very, very slowly, the years go by in the blink of an eye. Basically, just have fun! It won’t last forever, so make the very best of it.