A Message for High School Students
First off, I want to acknowledge that not everyone has the advantage of living with their parents while in high school, and my heart goes out to those of you who don’t. But for those who do:
Please put in the effort during high school.
Take the time to explore what you might want to pursue in the future.
Look into the requirements for colleges or universities regarding courses and grades.
Make it a priority to achieve those grades.
Now that I’ve moved out, I can’t stress enough how much I regret not putting in more effort during my high school years. I find myself needing to upgrade courses before I can even start my next four years of education.
Many of you are fortunate enough to live rent-free and not have to worry about bills or groceries. You should prioritize school above all else, with work as a secondary concern.
If you’re uncertain about whether to continue to university or college right after high school, I encourage you to go for it if you can.
It’s incredibly challenging to realize, once you’ve moved out, that you need to upgrade high school courses just to get into university—especially when you’re managing rent, food expenses, and other responsibilities along with school. Even with student loans, the struggle is real.
As someone who is just 23, I urge you to take high school seriously.
Don’t get caught up in trying to be “cool” by dismissing the importance of your grades.
Trust me; you don’t want to end up in the situation I’m in right now—it’s tough.
Currently, I’m working to upgrade my Grade 10 math, Grade 11 physics, and Grade 11 English—seven courses, each taking about three months, just so I can apply to the program that’s essential for my career.
So, please do the work. Focus on finishing high school and don’t postpone your plans for college or university. As my favorite influencer, “higherupwellness,” says:
“It’s not easy, but it is simple. Don’t overcomplicate it.”
P.S. Yes, having fun in high school is important, and you can absolutely do both—just make sure to find the right balance. I failed to do that, and now I’m here as a cautionary tale, having graduated but without taking the necessary classes for my goals—thanks to laziness and a lack of foresight.
TL;DR: If you have the support of your parents during high school, make the most of it. Focus on good grades and plan for your future education. I wish I had worked harder—now I’m in my 20s upgrading old courses while juggling bills. Don’t delay your college or university journey; it’s far more challenging later. Finish high school, put in the effort, and seize the opportunities while you can.
Thank you for sharing such a candid and valuable perspective! It’s clear that you’ve learned a lot from your experiences, and your message is incredibly important for current high school students to hear.
High school can often feel like it’s just a transient phase, but it’s actually a critical time for laying the groundwork for the future. The reality is that the choices made now can have a significant impact down the line, especially when it comes to education and career opportunities. Your emphasis on the importance of balancing fun with hard work is a great reminder that it’s possible to enjoy these years while still prioritizing academic and career goals.
For those who might find themselves in similar shoes as you did—feeling overwhelmed and unsure about their future—it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to learn and make positive changes. Seeking support from teachers or counselors can also be really beneficial when navigating upgrades or figuring out the next steps.
Your story serves as a wake-up call for many, and I hope it inspires high schoolers to be proactive with their education. Wishing you the best of luck with your course upgrades! Remember, every step forward is progress, no matter how small. Keep pushing through—you’ve got this!