As they depart their roles as editors for Wildcat Tracks, editor-in-chief Zoe Smallman and Opinion Editor Annie Rassiger have some advice they want to share with underclassmen.

Zoe Smallman – The importance of forming connections

  From freshman orientation to walking across the stage on the town green at graduation, countless moments make up the high school experience. While the years have certainly fled by, the relationships I have made are lasting and have shaped my time at WHS. Making connections and creating a network is not just important now; it is a life skill that can help you for years to come.

   In high school, the importance of meeting people and forming bonds does not just have to be with your closest friends. Something that has truly enriched my time at WHS is getting to know a variety of different people. That could be someone I worked with during a class project, an underclassman that I met on the volleyball team, a new friend in a club I joined, or a teacher who helped me through a hard time.

    I encourage you to make an effort to really get to know the people that surround you.  Attending a small school in a tight-knit community truly has its benefits. It means that you can really get to know your peers and you can be there for each other. Go to that senior night, play performance, or band concert and cheer each other on as you pursue your passions and they pursue theirs.

   Making connections should not stop at students; getting to know your teachers is such an important part of high school as well. There are some teachers whom I have never even had, but by saying hi when I am in the department office or having a conversation, my web of relationships has continued to grow. Don’t forget that teachers are real people too, and you should try to get to know them as much as they make an effort to get to know you.

   Even after the school day ends, if you see members of the custodial staff cheering at your sports games, make sure to thank them and the many other faculty who make WHS the place that it is.

  One other thing: in all that you do, I advise you to always be kind. Smile at people in the hallways, ask someone how their day is, and treat everyone with respect. Thank you Weston High School and all of the amazing people in it for making this the best four years!

Annie Rassiger – Make the best of WHS   

   High school for some is just a secondary institution, but for me, it was actually the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s easy to think of school as just a place we have to be, but WHS is actually a massive playground of opportunities. The best way to experience it isn’t just by showing up, but by choosing the things that genuinely make you happy.

   One of the best things you can do is explore activities that align with your interests. If a sport or a club looks like a blast, join it. It does not matter who else is in the group; what matters is that you are doing something you enjoy.

   For me, joining the girls’ basketball team sounded interesting, but I was so horrible at the sport that I didn’t think it was worth it. I pushed myself and joined the team, and it was something I never regretted because I gained the confidence to try new things and left with new friendships I will always treasure.

   I also believe it’s so important to say “yes” to the optional opportunities our school and classes offer. Whether it is a sports game, a field trip, or even a silly class meeting, these moments are where the best memories are made.

   Missing out on activities that aren’t mandatory because you’re too tired, or because you think they’re stupid, isn’t a great way to make the most of WHS.

   Class breakfasts always seem so unnecessary for me, but when I started living with the mindset that you don’t have to attend these events, but you GET too, I started to enjoy these small get-togethers.

  When it comes to picking your classes, think about what benefits you. It’s tempting to sync up your schedule with your friends, but your education is the one thing that is truly yours. I encourage you to sign up for the subjects that spark your curiosity or help you reach your personal goals.

   When I was in a class that I actually cared about, the work didn’t feel like such a chore.

   At the end of the day, your time at WHS is about discovering your own path. By choosing what makes you happy and taking advantage of everything offered, you turn these four years into something unforgettable. So make the most of it!