What I Learned in High School

May 13, 2026

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What I Learned In High School

Finn Wallace

Join clubs and sports: As you walk onto campus on your first day of freshman year, make it a priority to find your space on campus. Whether it be joining a sport, theatre, or fire science, there is a place at Sunnyslope meant for you; but you will only find it if you go searching for it. Try to sign up for as many clubs as you can during Club Rush, and from there, you can find your niche. I understand that it can be scary to put yourself out there for everyone to see, but remember: don’t let nerves stop you from trying something new. It’s the only way to discover what your passions are.

Participate in school traditions: At Sunnyslope, you will discover that there are countless traditions on campus. Especially during Homecoming week, find time in your schedule to make it to a Powderpuff game or the iconic Bonfire. These traditions are what differentiates Sunnyslope from other schools in the Valley, and engaging in these events are what makes high school so memorable. Even something as simple as trying the Wednesday pizza and fries in the cafeteria or climbing S Mountain as a freshman are moments that you will look back on years after you graduate.

Make friends with everyone: Coming into high school, it’s a whole new ballpark. For some people, Sunnyslope will be a place where they don’t know a single person from middle school. For others, it’ll be a place where everyone in their graduating class transitioned together. Either way, take this opportunity to make new friends. At Slope, you’ll find a multitude of diverse people, some you would never think would share your same sense of humor or interests. Take high school as a way to expand your horizons; you’ll never know who will become your ride-or-die!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Although the social part of high school is enticing, it’s hard to ignore the academic side of it. When taking rigorous classes, don’t forget that the amazing teachers at Sunnyslope want to see you succeed. As a student, I have spent more hours than I can count on two hands in my teachers’ classrooms before and after school. Taking this time to ask for one-on-one help from my teachers is how I’ve been successful in all of my classes, from AP Calc AB to AP Physics. Not only can this help you learn more, but it also gives you more time to get to know your teachers. Without asking for help, I never would have created such strong bonds with my teachers or learned so much.

Have fun and cherish the time you have on campus: Lastly, make sure to appreciate each day you spend at Sunnyslope. I remember walking onto campus on my first day back in August 2022, thinking about how far away May 2026 was. Now that it’s here, I can’t believe my time at Sunnyslope is up. It’s true: you never really know how much you’ll miss something until it’s gone. I will forever treasure the four years I spent at Slope, and I hope that you will listen to my advice and make the most of your time here. Go Vikings!

Spencer Bodell

1. It’s not that difficult to keep your grades up
Honestly, throughout my first 2 years of high school my grades weren't all A’s and B’s. But, during my junior year I realized that if I actually just decided to do the assignments in class and not have any more missing, my grades were just fine even if I didn’t do well on some tests. Take advantage of the time you are given.
1. Don’t smoke at school
If you even start smoking in the bathrooms you will get caught and/or teachers will know you do, which is not a good look. Just lock in at school and keep up with your work, no need to want to fit in with those who are in the bathrooms and get yourself in trouble.
1. Ask lots of questions
I had been shy in my earlier years when wanting to ask questions and such. Once I began to ask more questions when I was actually confused, which was a lot, there was really no shame like I thought there would be. That doesn’t mean you need to constantly ask questions about things, unless you really want to, it just means when you need help go and seek it because someone is always there to keep you up.
1. Take random electives
Besides taking an elective and then knowing you want to do the advanced class after, continue to give electives a chance that you wouldn’t normally. I got put into construction, not by choice, but it has been one of the best classes I’ve had. The people I met in the class and the projects we got to work on were more fun then I could've ever imagined and made me want to eventually learn a trade as a side hustle. Another time, I chose photography thinking I really enjoyed things like that. I do enjoy pictures and such but realized a few weeks in it just wasn’t my tempo and just like the surface things. This helped me realize I don’t really want to do photo editing and things like that in my future.
1. Keep talking to new people
I was really social my first 2 years of high school and after that I kind of quieted down. I just wanted to keep my head down and get through the school day. Once I became a senior and started to branch out again and try new things, I realized how much better the school day was when I was engaged with the people around me. I regretted leaving my social aspect during part of high school because I know there were friendships and such things that were left on the table. As I go to college next year, I won’t make the same mistake.

Pasley Quinn

Be quick to forgive others

High school is the time when we experience the most change; I know I certainly am not the person I was four years ago. With that, I encourage everyone to be quick to forgive one another, and especially not to hold grudges, as it only harbors resentment. I would hate for someone to hold something against me that I did when I was fourteen. And remember, every person is imperfect and deserves a chance for grace.

Don't stay in a bad situation just because it’s comfortable

Whether it’s a job or a relationship, you can’t expect change to occur if you don’t take steps to better your situation. Taking that first step might seem difficult or even daunting, but it’s much more painful in the long run not to.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve

Whether that’s in friendships, relationships, jobs, or any kind of opportunity: know what your worth is… you’ll find all of these outlets to be much more fulfilling if you do.

Listen to people who love you!

Those closest to you can help you to see blind spots or even offer insight to help you gain new perspectives. So if your friends and/or family tell you not to date that person, they may be onto something. Trust the people who know and love you the most, and let them speak into your life; decision making becomes significantly less of a burden when you do. Plus! You’ll realize it saved you a lot of disappointment–and hardship–when more often than not, they were right.

Don’t take yourself too seriously

Life–and high school espeically–gets a lot more comfortable when you stop treating every minor inconvenience like it’s the end of the world. This is the time to figure out who you are, so you should never be afraid to put yourself out there and let yourself be embarrassed from time to time; you won’t allow yourself the opportunity to grow if you refuse to take chances.

Jazz Pettis

Keep things private.

There were many times when I was overly trusting or got wrapped up in the moment, that I shared something which should’ve stayed private. This definitely got me into some tough situations at times, and now I’ve learned to be much more guarded and keep things that are important to me a secret, rather than broadcasting everything that I experience.

Do not bend your morals for a man.

I would often find myself changing who I am to fit into a mold of what a guy liked. This is something I once deeply regretted, but I now see a lesson in. The right guy won’t try to change you and will accept you for who you are. Me being persistent in trying to make things work out is unnecessary. When a guy really cares about you he’ll find a resolution for problems and make an effort.

Don't let fear stop you from trying new things.

The main thing that I find myself looking back on is things that I was scared to do during the earlier years of Highschool. If I could go back, I would definitely try out for Volleyball and/or cheerleading. I also would’ve joined more clubs and been more social rather than scared of what people would say/think of me. I didn’t start taking real risks until this year and I wish I would’ve done that sooner, because It’s made for some interesting memories and stories to look back on. It’s interesting to think about how different I’d be today, if I let go of fear during my freshman year.

Everyone gossips.

Every single person on this campus to some extent, gossips and spreads rumours. Not engaging in that kind of activity will genuinely make you better off in the end. Drama is the most exhausting thing to be a part of. There were numerous times where I’d be the peacekeeper or the messenger between people and I wouldn’t do that again, it’s childish. Confronting people about problems directly is the mature thing to do. And when someone crosses you, do not forget it. Nine times out of ten, they’re going to do it again.

Don’t be peer pressured into doing something you aren't proud of.

Whether it’s your friends or a partner, don’t let anyone make you feel uncomfortable for saying no. The second you refuse to do something that should be accepted. There shouldn’t be a rebuttal, argument, coercion or ultimatum. You have so much time to experiment and try new risky things, don’t feel pressured into doing everything before you graduate. Rushing into things is not only dangerous, but you’ll look back on it and not be happy. If you’re having a ‘not good’ high school experience, that just means college will be 10x more enjoyable. Not every first needs to happen while you’re a teenager.

Greyson Beckett

Enjoy the community you’re a part of

One thing I learned throughout high school is that the people around you really do shape your experience. Whether it was classmates, teammates, teachers, or random people you’d see every day in the halls, those connections make school memorable. High school goes by way faster than you think, so appreciate the community while you’re in it because one day you’ll miss even the small moments.

Go to as many events as you can (dance shows, plays, sports events, etc.)

Some of the best memories from high school come from events you almost didn’t go to. Even if it’s not “your thing,” showing up to support other people makes high school more fun and gives you moments you’ll remember after graduation. The years go by quickly, and you never regret going to something, but you’ll probably regret staying home.

Get out of your comfort zone and do new things

High school is one of the best times in your life to try new things without overthinking it. Join something, meet new people, take chances, and stop worrying so much about looking awkward or failing. A lot of personal growth comes from being uncomfortable at first, and some of the best opportunities happen when you decide to just go for it.

Enjoy lunch

Lunch seems like such a small part of the day, but it ends up being where a lot of your favorite memories are made. Sitting with friends, laughing over random conversations, and taking a break from classes became something I appreciated more as the years went on. When high school is over, you realize those everyday moments mattered more than you thought.

Don't forget about going in early to make up work in Wednesday Learning Center

One thing I wish I took advantage of earlier was using extra help opportunities like Wednesday Learning Center. It’s easy to procrastinate or think you’ll figure things out later, but going in early can save you from a lot of stress. Teachers genuinely want to help you succeed, and putting in a little extra effort makes a bigger difference than most people realize.

Cece Giaquinto

1.Friends

The people you meet freshman year don’t always stay your friend for all four years of high school lot’s of people grow up and mature and you changes paths from those people you once knew.

2.Do your work

Teachers say this freshman year and a lot of kids blow it off but it’s really important to do your work and get grades that you want. I learned this senior year because while I was getting good grades I got a few c’s the years before that messed with my Gpa.

3.WLC

Go to wednesday learning center when you need to finish a test or assignment or simply need help.You learn this fast because blowing off just one assignment can get you behind in the class. I learn this because I didn’t redo test when I was in spanish and my grade reflected the lack of effort so if you want good grades go in when you need help.

4.Elective classes

Choose elective classes you are truly interested in or you will have the work feeling like a chore rather than something fun. I did dance and theater classes as some of my classes throughout my high school years and they weren’t my favorite but this year i’ve done Film and Tv and it’s been an awesome experience.

5.Life plan

You don’t need to have your whole future planned out but you need to have some plan for after high school. Explore your options and middle of senior year you need to have some kind of plan decided. I didn’t decided till middle of Senior year and I wish I thought about my plans after graduation sooner so I wasn’t as stressed .

What I Learned in High School

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