To all the high school students who think that ditching, not passing your classes and talking back to your teacher is “cool” and do it because you want to impress your classmates it’s not. It is one of the stupidest things you can possibly do!

These four years will shape you and help you figure out what you want to do with your life. Take advantage of the four years – don’t let the four years take advantage of you. I’m not saying I’m perfect but here’s some advice I wish someone would have told me.

*Don’t be rude to teachers!

They are the ones you will know for the next four years. They’re here to help you. Show them the respect they deserve and if you don’t like them, it doesn’t mean you have to disrespect them because you or your friends think it is funny. Your teachers are sometimes the ones who can give you the best advice for your problems. They have been through it before themselves and have been helping others with possibly the same issue as you, for years; so they have a lot of experience, believe it or not. So don’t think just because they’re older doesn’t mean they can’t help.

*Respect classmates and Peers

Don’t make fun of kids because of what they wear or look like. If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it at all. You’re not in middle school anymore where it is funny to put someone down. It’s time to start acting more mature. If you’re not doing it, but know someone who is, tell them to stop, because it is not cool. Don’t call them names because they may not learn as fast as you or may not be taking the same class as you. Everyone learns at a different pace and that’s okay.

*Don’t feel the pressure to take on harder classes or APs.

They are a lot of work and it’s okay if you don’t take them. But in the long run, if you think you are up for the challenge, then go for it.

*Do all of your work and pay attention.

Do not procrastinate! It is extremely important that you do your work and understand what you are learning. If you don’t understand it or if the teacher is going too fast, don’t be shy and raise your hand. It doesn’t matter what others think about you, all that matters is that you are understanding what you are learning. Doing well in school will give you an advantage infilling out college applications when you’re a senior. And just because you get good grades doesn’t mean you’re a nerd, it just means you are a good student and on top of your work.

*Join clubs or school activities

Don’t let your friends or other people make you think that you’re too cool for it or that they’re not worth joining. Like the homecoming dance.Yes, it may suck that it is in the gym, but at the end of the night it’s about you dancing an singing along with your friends. Halfway through the dance you won’t even care that it is in the gym or what it looks like because you’ll be too busy enjoying yourself.Clubs are really great because you get involved in school and meet a ton of new people. Not only do you have fun but it also looks great on college applications that you were involved in your school. Don’t be shy.People may look mean, but once you talk to them, they are the sweetest people. Especially upperclassmen. They are students who once were shy or scared so don’t be scared to talk to them.

*Act like the real you.

Don’t try to impress anyone but yourself. Dress how you want. Not according to what is “in” and what isn’t. And who cares where you buy your clothes. It doesn’t matter. It will only matter to those who are materialistic. You don’t have to let society or your peers tell you how you should look or act to be accepted. If they really are your friends, they will accept you for the way you are, not for what you wear or how you act.

*Speaking of friends they will come and go.

So don’t talk only to people you already know because sooner or later they will be people that you used to know.And overall just enjoy high school because these four years will pass faster than you can imagine.