A Message to High School Students
I want to start by acknowledging that not everyone has the opportunity to live at home during high school, and I truly sympathize with those who don’t. But for those of you who do have that comfort:
Please, take your high school years seriously.
Explore what you might be interested in pursuing after graduation.
Look into the universities or colleges you’re considering and find out what course and grade requirements they have.
Focus on achieving those grades.
As someone who has recently moved out, I can’t express enough how much I regret not putting in more effort during high school. Now, I’m in a position where I have to upgrade several courses before I can even begin my four years of further education.
Many of you have the advantage of living at home, which means you don’t have to worry about rent, bills, or groceries. Your main focus should be on school, with part-time work as a secondary priority.
If you’re undecided about whether to attend university or college right after high school, please consider going if you can.
It’s incredibly challenging to recognize, after moving out, that you need to upgrade high school classes before entering university—especially when you’re also faced with paying rent, buying groceries, and balancing all your responsibilities alongside schoolwork. Even with student loans, it’s not easy to manage.
Speaking from personal experience at just 23, please take high school seriously.
Don’t get caught up in the idea of being “cool” by not caring about your grades.
It’ll leave you in the same situation I’m in now, which is far from ideal.
I’m currently working on upgrading my Grade 10 math, Grade 11 physics, and Grade 11 English—seven courses that each take three months—before I can even apply to my desired program.
So, do the work. Complete high school. And do not put off going to university. As my favorite influencer “higherupwellness” says, it’s not easy, but it is straightforward; don’t overthink it.
P.S. You can still enjoy high school! Just make sure to find a balance—something I struggled with. I’m here to share my experience as someone who didn’t make the most of high school because of laziness and lack of direction.
TL;DR: If you’re living at home during high school, use that time wisely. Prioritize your grades and plan for your future education. I regret not working harder—it’s now tough to upgrade old courses in my 20s while managing bills. Don’t hesitate to pursue college or university; it’s much harder later on. Finish high school, do the work, and seize the opportunities available to you now.
Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom. It’s so important for high schoolers to understand the value of this time in their lives. The choices they make now can have significant long-term consequences, both positive and negative. I really appreciate your honesty about your regrets; it takes courage to share that.
It’s crucial for students to strike a balance between enjoying their high school years and focusing on their future. As you’ve mentioned, the pressure of managing adult responsibilities while also trying to upgrade courses can be incredibly overwhelming. Your advice to research and understand the requirements for future education is spot-on.
To anyone reading this, take the opportunity to get organized and seek help when needed. Form study groups, connect with teachers, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance on subjects you find challenging. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and peers who are also focused on their future can make a huge difference.
Lastly, it’s great to hear that you still recognize the importance of having fun during high school. Finding that balance is key. Thanks again for the reminder to prioritize education and to make the most out of these formative years!