Embrace your high school experience

Campbell Micek Commentary Editor

Iwasintimidated by the red lockers, dark brick, and the dust that showed in unentered hallways, and the idea of 2,000 unknown faces.

I was told that I would have pennies thrown at me, to try the lunch line paninis, and not to wear my backpack too high. I didn’t have an older sibling to ask for advice, and it felt like I was going to the first day of school blindly.

However, immediately, I was encapsulated in what would be known as Hawk Pride.

I would meet life-long friends, and I became involved in things that I wouldn’t be involved in for much longer.

I had been dancing for a while prior to high school and felt that I was on the track to try out for the Hawkettes.

While it was something I had questioned following through with before the start of high school, I felt that it was the only right thing to do.

Fast forward to my sophomore year, I was still questioning my involvement in the program.

When I decided it was no longer something I wanted to continue, I was driven to get involved in things that I found interesting.

It was during my sophomore year that I took advantage of the time off to express something I was passionate about: connecting with people.

I joined the yearbook staff during my junior year and volunteered to write more articles for

Southwords.

Simultaneously, I was an intern for the local Park Ridge magazine and hosting my own podcast.

Taking part in things that I had a genuine interest in truly solidified my career interests, too.

As a school that heavily focuses on our interests and post-secondary plans, my involvement at Maine South was huge for my success as a high school student.

Now, as a senior heading into four years of college, I encourage all younger students to take advantage of all that Maine South has to offer.

It’s intimidating to be expected to know exactly what you want to do with your life, or where you want to go the minute you get into high school.

With the assistance of many school professionals and so many clubs and organizations, the decisions are just a little bit easier and your high school experience becomes that much better.

Whether it's going to different sporting events, sitting in the student section at the football games, attending school field trips, watching the homecoming parade, or attending the musicals and plays, get involved and enjoy what there is to do.

Even staying during office hours to chat with your teachers, all of the unconventional things that you won't be able to take part in post-high school, will make your high school experience memorable.

So, embrace it for what it is.

Embrace the blood, sweat, and tears it takes for you to pass your calculus exam, embrace the mediocre cafeteria food, and embrace all the different high school activities.

It really does fly by, and you would never want to leave Maine South regretting not having done something, because you really can do it all, even in four short years.