The Most Important Lessons I Learned in High School, and Not in the Classroom

1. The world is bigger than my high school

1. The world is bigger than my high school

In high school, cliques, rumors, and daily popularity contests have a way of permeating through the conscious of every student, creating the idea that social life stops existing after leaving campus. However, taking a step away from it all can provide significant perspective about what is actually important. For me,reading in local cafes, going on hikes and bike rides, and visiting the nearby major city was enough to remember how many possibilities and people existed outside of the high school drama.

2. How to take care of myself and my body

I quickly learned in my first year at high school that my days of running around as a little kid who could eat whatever she wants were over. My metabolism was changing and I had to make deliberate changes along with it. During my own time, I studied nutrition and joined a gym two decisions I knew I'd take with me long after high school. The knowledge and skills I acquired proved to be an even greater help in college, where temptation is worse and you have to prepare food on your own!

3. Everyone was a lot more similar than I thought

High school was a race to define yourself - to find the single group whose interests most closely matched yours and to cling onto it for dear life. After four years, it felt as if we had all sacrificed our individuality to conform to certain social categories.Upon entering college and the real world, we were all shocked to realize how much we all actually had in common by virtue of growing up in the same place. I realized how many potential friendships were lost due to trivial pressures and expectations.

4. Teachers can teach you a lot more than a lesson plan

My English teacher had told us too many incredible stories during class for me not to ask her further questions after class had ended. She turned out to be one of the most inspiring, incredible women I've ever met, and she eventually became my close friend and mentor. She guided me alongthe college process and helped identify the perfect school for me the school I attend today. While teachers are often thought to be a student's worse enemy, they can truly provide great resources, knowledge, and friendship during a difficult four years.

5. Being a nerd is okay

My biggest fear in high school, like everyone else, was being made fun of in public. Like all my peers, I always wanted to do what was thought to be cool, hip, and rebellious. However, after freshman year, I discovered that paying attention in class could actually be fun and valuable. If I had to spend almost six hours a day in the classroom, why not be engaged in what I had no choice but to learn? I began to ask more questions in class and feel more curious about the world around me. I learned that this new approach would enrich not only my academic life, but also my personal knowledge and development.

The Most Important Lessons I Learned in High School, and Not in the Classroom

By: Lily Faden

POST COMMENT

Work And Graduate School Do Mix With An Online MBA Ways to Teach Christian Homeschool Curriculum Presentation Folder Is A Good Step For Accomplishing Your Educational Targets Scholarships for Moms Going Back to College - $10,000 Award Makes Going Back to School Easier Scholarship For Moms - $10,000 Scholarship Mothers Can Use to Go Back to School Grants for Single Mothers - Free Money So That You Don't Have to Take Out School Loans Scholarships for Single Mothers - Easily Get Extra Money to Go Back to School Today Timing is Everything – Successful Marketing for Your Dance School Is Online Fashion School Right for You? How to Choose the Right Online Photography School How to Choose the Right Online Animation School 5 Steps for Choosing Online Visual Arts Schools Rules Of Feng Shui - Using Feng Shui For Education Improvement