Each year the Wildcat Tracks senior editors end their high school journalistic careers by sharing some reflections and advice based on lessons they’ve learned over the past four years.
Jack Tutun – Enjoying high school
Enjoy high school. Of course, I am not saying that it all goes downhill afterwards, as it should only get better, but however, while you are here, do not take time for granted. Every student goes through the same stressful process and makes it out on the other side, so no matter what, understand that the future is bright. So, how can you make sure you take advantage of every second?
I recommend that you be productive and thoughtful, as work should never get in the way of sports or your social life. One of my biggest regrets is how during freshman and sophomore year, I acted as if I had a lot more work than I actually had, and it cost me some of that valuable time that I could have been spending with my peers. What I mean by “acting as if I have more work than I had,” is the idea that typically, freshman and sophomores exaggerate the amount of work they are assigned by teachers. One should learn to sit down and get the assignments done, as being unproductive can make a little bit of work seem as if it’s a lot. This can lead to burn out, where you work too much or hard early on and become lackluster later in high school. I was impacted by this and so I want to send on the message that during freshman and sophomore year, when work is easier, take advantage of it.
In terms of time with peers and meeting new people, getting out and playing sports are very useful tools to be active and more engaged. Weston’s great sports programs definitely opened up opportunities for me as while I played soccer my freshman and sophomore years, I met a lot of upperclassmen that advised me well in taking steps through high school. Although we are often told not to take advantage of things, be resourceful and thoughtfully use what is given to you. Weston’s resources are very helpful in the long run.
Another significant piece of advice I have for enjoying high school is to be optimistic and to look into the future rather than the past. I definitely struggled a little bit academically my sophomore year, but, instead of holding myself down by thinking about what grades I had already gotten, I looked forward with optimism and did much better my junior year because I became more focused on certain interests rather than every little activity.
High school flies by and it’s best to enjoy it while it lasts because some of your best friends will be made here. The worst thing someone can do is leave such a great experience with regrets.
Nico Barbieri – Leaning on friends
Stress is a universal problem in high school, which can lead to one feeling as if they cannot enjoy their high school life. Throughout my four years of high school, one of my largest lessons was knowing when to lean on friends when I was feeling down – and letting them lean on me in turn.
During my time at WHS, there were days when everything felt overwhelming: upcoming exams, sports games and meets, as well as the pressure to keep it all together. During those moments, I found that sitting at lunch with my closest friends could be the difference between a breakdown and managing to find success despite the pressure.
Leaning on friends is important not only for school stress but also during frightening and uncertain times. It can feel isolating to deal with a loss, mental health issue or family issues. During these times, it’s good to remind yourself that you can lean on your close friends – and that these friends of yours are trustworthy people to share your concerns with.
It wasn’t always easy for me to ask for help. In fact, one of the hardest parts of leaning on others is allowing yourself to be vulnerable in the first place. I used to think that if I admitted I was struggling, I’d be a burden. What I’ve come to realize, however, is that true friendship – especially during stressful times– comes from being honest. The people that care about you want to be there for you, which is how you can tell who your true friends are.
Being able to return the favor was just as meaningful for me as having a friend to lean on. There were plenty of moments when I noticed a friend or peer quietly struggling, either due to their silence, the way they zoned out during class, or how they didn’t laugh at something they usually would. In those moments, just asking or texting “Are you okay?” or offering to go for a walk after school could open the door to a conversation they needed. I learned that you don’t need to have all the answers to help someone; sometimes, you just need to be there.
Looking back on these past four years, I realize how much my friendships shaped my high school experience, dictating sports and clubs I joined as well as my outlook on life. They taught me how to be more open, how to listen, and how to appreciate the people who stick by me. Knowing that I wasn’t alone made every failure easier to face, and made highschool far less stressful.
Farrah Zerola – Finding your niche
Try everything. Say yes to everything. You will never regret trying something and deciding that it’s not for you, but you will regret never trying something and always wondering if it was for you. And so, finding your niche—the thing that truly interests you—is so incredibly important.
Your niche is your guiding light. It’s a space for you to delve into your interests and build relationships with peers and faculty that are uniquely personal. Without it, you may feel lost and confused throughout your time in high school. As a result, you may not know what you want out of college or out of life. But, I don’t say this to scare you; I say this to urge you to join anything and everything that remotely interests you. Over time, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the few activities that really matter to you. Don’t wait to pursue an interest–starting early lets you dive deeper, take on leadership roles and make the most of your time in high school.
Your time in high school will be filled with trial and error; that’s exactly what it’s there for. Try whatever you want now, so you know what you want later. Yes, classes and grades matter, but they don’t define you the way your passions do.
Beyond school, your interests now can influence what you major in and your career path. Before high school, I wanted to do on-screen acting. Sophomore year I joined the WHS chapter of DECA–a competitive business club–and I realized I wanted to do something in the business world. Almost three years later, I now get to attend a university I love and pursue a program that aligns with what I’m passionate about, all because I chose to step out of my comfort zone and join a club where I didn’t know anyone.
Had I let fear or embarrassment stop me or followed whatever my friends were doing, I wouldn’t have found myself. Thus, I want to stress the importance of doing things for you. We will forever be judged and judge others–it is simply human nature. So, the sooner you stop caring about what others think of you, the happier you’ll be.
By the time high school comes to an end, you don’t want to have regrets. You want to graduate knowing that you have exhausted all of your options. You want to think, “Wow, this place feels small–I’m ready for a change. I’m ready for more.” So go after everything that sparks even the slightest bit of curiosity. Be bold, be curious and be unapologetically true to yourself. High school is your launching pad–make the most of it so that when it’s time to move on, you’re not just ready for the next chapter, but you’re excited to write it.
Areta Quazi – Expanding your horizons
When I was younger, the complete 17.34 square miles of Weston was my oyster. Everything I could possibly want was in front of me: my family, my friends, my home. Therefore, it was easy for me to feel like the world ended at the Weston border, especially when I had grown up seeing the same faces, seeing the same scenery, and hearing the same stories.
As I have matured, however, I have learned that many of my desires go far beyond the borders of Weston.
It is difficult to look beyond when it may be all you have known. For many of us, this small town is perfectly comfortable. It is secure, peaceful, and friendly.
While feeling comfortable can often foster a sense of support and well-being, it can at times prevent true advancement and limit our potential. Growth happens at times when you may feel the most uncomfortable and out of place. I experienced the most growth in unfamiliar moments–when my friend and I got locked out of his car on Massachusetts Avenue and had to problem-solve in the cold, or when I boarded the wrong Amtrak train and learned to stay calm under pressure, or when I navigated a foreign country alone and gained confidence in my ability to adapt and trust myself.
During your last few years of high school, I encourage you to step outside the limits and comforts of Weston. Do not only learn about different cultures, but explore them, either by traveling to cities where people from those cultures live, United States or outside of the country. By doing this, you may immerse yourself completely and enrich your cultural knowledge. Buy an inexpensive plane ticket, attempt a new, unique activity, and seek independence. Find comfort in the unfamiliar because it will only improve your compassion and self-awareness.
I urge you to value your own growth, even if that means facing experiences that may be uncomfortable or daunting. These feelings of uncertainty are the beginning signals towards your growth.
Stepping outside the boundaries of Weston does not require you to leave permanently, rather to break your cycle of dependability. Home will always be here when you return.
Giving yourself the opportunity to pop the small-town bubble allows you to discover the unknown. Take the time to change your perspectives and understand the complex world outside of your hometown. Most importantly, discover yourself, your values, and continue to progress.
Finally, we would like to thank our amazing advisor, Ms. Lemons, who has taught us and aided in our growth these last four years. We will miss you greatly.
