With less than 100 school days left, many seniors reflect on their years throughout high school and what they have learned along the way. Students reflected on life lessons they have learned about themselves through a question, “What advice would you give your younger self?”
A pattern in their answers emerged. One of the most common advice seniors shared was to not listen to what other people had to say about you.
Gustavo Ruiz (12) said, “Don’t listen to anyone around you and do your own thing.” Many of them reflected on times they weren’t true to themselves because of the pressure others brought.
Friendships were another topic to reflect on. Looking back many seniors came to a realization of how much the people around them influenced their mindsets and even confidence.
Some say new people will come into your life, not only as friends, but as lessons to teach each of us something important about ourselves and life.
RudyJanae Hutchinson (12) said, “Choose people wisely because having a different friend group or friend in the beginning can slowly affect you now.”
Joshua Gargano (12) stated, “Being yourself, your true friends will find you, you won’t have to put up a front.”
More advice seniors would like to give was mainly centered around junior year of high school which many people described as the most overwhelming year. Due to the fact this year is seen the most by colleges. It’s also the year where students prepare for senior year.
Airam Rodriguez (12) said, “ Don’t overload yourself your junior year. I did exactly that and it was terrible.” While it’s important to put in hard work, seniors stress it’s also important to not burn yourself out and overload yourself.
Seniors of 2026 look back with pride and reflection. Their advice reflects on the value of self confidence, healthy relationships, and balance. High school comes with challenges, hoping that by sharing their experiences, seniors hope that younger students can maybe learn to go through these years with less pressure and more purpose.
