5 Things I regret not doing in High School

August 2, 2021

So I'm sure some of you are approaching High School and may be nervous about it especially with the addition of covid. With that being a thing, consider this blog a survival guide if you will based on my experience and things I would have done differently, but then again everything I'm not mad me everything I am. Hopefully you understood that reference. 

1.) Be more Social 

This sounds easier said than done. If there's one thing you should know about me, I like to consider myself a hyper-extrovert with introverted tendencies. Meaning, I love to meet new people and I thrive in crowds, however, I do value my alone time to recharge and disconnect. Although I wasn't always this way... I'd recommend joining things that interest you or peak your interest, even if it does not work out. This is an easy way to explore new things, but also make friends (if you struggle in that department). That is something I wish I did more and did not partake in until my Junior year in High School, but by then I wished I had done it sooner. 

2.) Take AP & IB courses 

This is something that I was aware of at the time, but did not take seriously. I have heard a bit about those programs but did not make the best use of them. My Language Arts teacher at the time encouraged me to take IB Language Arts and somehow I also took IB World History as well. I enjoyed both of these classes, however, I was not able to use my final exam test scores to opt out of freshman courses in College (exactly what the classes were intended for). I felt as if, I wasted time and honestly, it made my senior year very stressful and bland to say the least. 

Taking these courses will not only allow you to opt-out of taking the required freshman level courses, it puts you ahead of your peers and if timed correctly, allows you to graduate early. College is something that isn't cheap, so any way you can save money and graduate sooner, I'd encourage you to do so. 

3.) Have a balanced school/social life

This hits close to home... so back in High School, I was extremely shy, super self-conscious and cared way too much about the opinions of others. In other words, I was a people pleaser to the worst degree. Thankfully, I have outgrown that. I say all this to say that I would have liked to attend more school events, but I could not due to me being too comfortable alone watching tv and playing video games. I avoided football games like the plague. Every time someone did ask me to hang out, I would always say "no" or find an excuse why I could not attend. Keep in mind, my mom was extremely overprotective at that time (I am an only child so that didn't help). Now, of course at that age, there is nothing wrong with that, but too much of anything overtime isn't good for you. 

Not to mention, I did not get my permit until I was 19 and my driver's license at 21. So commuting often meant getting a ride from a friend or begging my mom to drop or pick me up to a location (She would not do both). On the outside, I seemed find simply due to the fact I was always funny (still very much am), however, I would use my humor to project my true feelings about things and people and hide my insecurities. 

4.) Get your Permit ASAP

I previously mentioned I did not get my permit until I was 19 ( I know, I am embarassed I even typed that honestly). However, there is hope for you. In the State of GA you can get your permit at the age of 16. So I would strongly suggest you do so at the first chance you get. If for some reason, your parents do not feel comfortable giving you driving lessons, I used Drive Smart and they give you in class and on the road training. I'm not sure what the price is today, but I spent roughly over $300 and it was worth every dollar. No, this is not an ad. 

Being able to drive in highschool feels like you won the lottery. Being able to come and go as you please almost makes you feel like an adult. Minus the bills and other stress life throws at you. Not only will it allow you some form of independence, but it will allow you to also gain new opportunities by just being in the right place and right time. If any parents are also reading this, allow your kid to drive, I'm sure after work you would not mind being driven around even if it's to the store and back. 

5.) Develop a skill/hobby

This is something that I think everyone needs to do at some point, especially at this age. I started making videos short-term while I am in College, however, could you imagine the progress and success I would have had if I only started sooner? The results would be immaculate. Often times, we are so consumed by school, that we feel as if we don't have time for anything else. Remember that school/social life I mentioned earlier? This is where it would come into play.

As you age, due to life's stressors like bills, debt, and responsibilities, you will need a creative outlet to keep you sane, but, also protect your energy from being exhausted. I'm sure there's something that you would like to try that you haven't and you should, it's human nature. The last thing you want to do 10 years from now is look back on this time of your life, and think about everything you wish you did or try. Life is a series of moments, so it's better to try something and fail than to never try at all.

Hopefully, these tips offer some insight and a peek into my life. Unfortunately, I cannot rewind time, I can only move forward and give advice to the youth so their high school experience is much more enjoyable.