As this school year inches closer to the end, high school seniors at Plano Senior are becoming wiser by the minute. With years of hard work, growth, and unforgettable memories behind them, they’re ready to share some valuable advice with incoming freshmen and anyone that is still navigating high school. When asked, “What is something you wish you knew when you were a freshman from the knowledge you know now as a senior?” The responses reflected the lessons they’ve learned and the challenges they faced in their four years of high school, in hopes to share wisdom and guidance to any high school student that is looking for a little insight.
Soha Dell
“Working hard is 100% worth it, but balancing your schedule with other things is good for you because you don’t want to overwork yourself. Being a part of the school community and being involved in extracurricular activities is worth it and you make friends through those. It’s important to just do what you feel is important and fun for you and not care about what other people think of you. Overall, just work hard but try to have fun while doing it.”
Elisabeth Summer
“Don’t forget to live your life outside of school because your high school GPA doesn’t define you. Enjoy high school while it lasts, and remember it’s not all about the school work so don’t overwork yourself all the time.”
Ashley Jasper
“One thing I would tell my freshman self is don’t care about what other people think about you. What’s important is what you think of yourself because at the end of the day all you truly have is yourself. I know it’s hard to not care but in the long run it will make high school much easier.”
Samira Redzepagic
“Stay confident and true to yourself; don’t let others determine your worth. What’s important is your perception of yourself and what you truly believe. Don’t let others get you down, high school is about learning and discovering yourself.”
Carson Peters
“Something I wish I knew as a freshman was to maintain good grades but not overwork yourself with a school workload. Working hard is always the most important quality to have in high school, but never overwork yourself. You still have four years to figure things out.”
Mark Carroll
“Get involved in something like a club or job outside of school. This will guarantee to make school so much more fun, enjoyable, and not all about school work. Still remember to study and work hard, to maintain a good balance between school and extracurriculars.”
Maddie Griffith
“If I could tell myself one piece of advice when I was a freshman, I would tell myself to surround myself with good people! Don’t try to fit in with people who make you act differently than who you truly are. Your environment shapes who you are, so make sure you’re happy in it.”
Ella Acree
“Let everything play out. It will work out in the end, so don’t overwork yourself, let it come to you. High school is an experience, it doesn’t define who you are and all of your future.”
Lauren Utecht
“Make sure to stay on top of your classes but also don’t overwork yourself. Try to maintain a good balance between your social life and school life. Get involved with the school because it is a great way to meet new friends and have fun.”
Gabby Jones
“Get involved in school clubs and extracurriculars. Make high school more enjoyable while you’re still here. Remember to live with no regrets; experiences are what help shape who you are and you should never regret that.”
In the end, high school is not just about grades or achievements; it’s about discovering who you are, building lasting friendships, and learning to balance hard work with personal growth. These years offer a chance to explore your interests, step out of your comfort zone, and shape the person you want to become. The advice shared by these seniors reminds students that success is measured not only by academic milestones but by the experiences and memories they create along the way. Embrace the challenges, savor the moments, and remember that high school is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. The friendships, lessons, and growth you experience will stay with you long after graduation.
