As Seniors are approaching their final stretch of high school, some of them agreed to share the knowledge and advice they have gained from their experiences. Coming into a brand new school as a Freshman can be scary, but with this advice, hopefully, integrating into the community will be easier for many. 

A piece of advice all seniors mentioned was being confident in your personality. What you have to say is important and what you have to contribute is important. Be yourself around others, and if they don’t like it, they aren’t meant to be your friends. A Senior volleyball player, MacKenna Kemble, suggested that if you want to meet new people with the same interests, joining a club or a sports program can help, especially if you don’t know people involved in it. A club can introduce you to some of your possible future, closest friends. MacKenna joined volleyball Freshman year and she has met some of her best friends who still participate in it. Although Mackenna did, not everyone stays with their friend group for high school. In fact, it seems like a common idea that you will probably change friend groups from Freshman year to Senior year because you start to discover yourself more. 

Another senior, Avery Imus said that starting high school off with a good work ethic and GPA is extremely helpful because school becomes more challenging every year. So, it’s best to take advantage of Freshman year grades than try to make everything up in the end. Avery also said some of her best memories here at Chatfield include off-campus lunches because going back to a friend’s house, walking to go eat, and getting rides with upperclassmen to create friendships can help make connections from grade to grade. She said going out doesn’t even have to be every day either, just establishing a connection with someone can give reassurance that you are not alone.

Seniors’ high school experience flashed before their eyes, so don’t sweat the small stuff, live in the moment, and make some amazing memories. It may seem scary to step out of your comfort zone in high school, but ultimately trying new things will create amazing opportunities in the future.