×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

John Marshall Seniors Impart Wise Advice

This time of year is bittersweet for graduating students. They are finally at the end of their long 13-year journey, from kindergartners to high school seniors. Thirteen years ago, it seemed this day would never come. Now, looking back, most say it happened in the blink of an eye.

Four short years ago, they reached the last leg of their journey, as wide-eyed freshmen full of a little fear and a lot of fervor. And as the adage goes, with age comes wisdom. So, I asked them to provide some sage advice to teenagers about making the most of high school. Below are some wise recommendations provided by several of my insightful, kind, intelligent seniors.

Emily Beckett: “Get involved in everything you possibly can and enjoy every moment because it goes by so much faster than you think.”

Megan Denning: “Meet new people and stay busy by getting involved in as many activities as you can.”

Alyssa Ehni: “Never take a single moment for granted because you honestly never know what the future holds.”

Ivy Henderson: “Try out new activities and be involved. Something I regret is not being more involved within the school. I wish I would’ve applied to be a class officer, joined more clubs, and tried new sports. My best advice for students is to be nice to everyone and have fun.”

Brandi Hall: “Don’t stress about the little things. High school can be chaotic sometimes, and you may have no idea where you’re heading. Trust that it will all work out in the end. Above all, love yourself and be kind to others.”

Katie Minor: “Spend Friday nights with your friends, and remember, your teachers are on your side.”

Breanna O’Bright: “Choose to make the best of high school. Become a part of something whether it’s playing a sport or joining clubs or organizations. I know I’m glad I joined yearbook my sophomore year.”

Lauren Rose: “Go out of your comfort zone by trying different activities and classes that you wouldn’t typically see yourself doing. I chose to take challenging courses, and it was definitely worth all of the time and effort.”

Sarah Sberna: “Recognize procrastination is your worst enemy. Get work done as early as possible so you have more time to revise, study or ask questions. Looking back, I wish I would have tried new things like participating in musicals, joining the academic team or trying out for sports. Also, it’s important to know that when coaches and teachers see potential in a student who is trying hard, they’ll help you to succeed, not put you down because you’re not perfect.”

Brittany Smith: “Challenge yourself by taking some AP courses. I’m thankful to have completed the AP Capstone program, which made me a stronger writer and speaker which contributed to my becoming a state officer of the Technology Student Association.”

Jenni Whitfield: “Be kind to yourself and don’t take everything too seriously. Give 100 percent effort in everything, but remember that failing a test or giving a poor presentation does not determine your success over the next four years.”

Ally Yoho: “Realize you’ve been equipped with a mind capable of helping you change your circumstances or solve your problems. Think positively, put your mind to the test, make the best of every situation, and always find the lessons to be learned in the game of life.”

Lewis Yoho: “Do something that helps you be who you want to be. I’m glad I took part in Monarch Company productions and Prostart courses; both helped me come out of my shyness. Get involved as much as you can, and make it the best four years of school by doing what you enjoy.”

My advice to parents of high schoolers (and soon-to-be high schoolers) is to cut this out and hang it on the fridge for your teenagers to read all summer. I believe these words of wisdom will hold them in good stead.

And congratulations to all of our graduating seniors in the Ohio Valley.

Jonna Kuskey is an English teacher at John Marshall High School. She was named the 2017 James Moffett Award winner by the National Council of Teachers of English and the third place winner of the 2017 Penguin Random House Foundation Teacher Awards for Literacy.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today