High School. 

We are currently operating within those four, fleeting years — the same time frame which hundreds of movies chronicle, our parents reminisce on, and we mark our transition into adulthood. So the question which clouds so many of our minds is this: are we making the most of high school?

Beginning my senior year at Marymount, I’ve already made a handful of memories that I will always associate to my high school years. Many involve my time with the Marymount Players, hilarious lunchtime conversations, and fun activities outside of school; however, balancing all these fun facets of my life with all my mandatory schoolwork and commitments proved difficult at times (but not impossible!). A well-rounded high school experience blends making connections on and off campus , all while still keeping grades a priority. 

To do this, you may want to get as involved as you can at school by joining extracurriculars. My main extracurricular focuses are with the performing arts, and my involvement has allowed me to make a great deal of friends and memories. While I came to Marymount already set on joining the arts, it is absolutely normal to be unsure of your interests. Finding your community takes time, but it will be worth it in the end. My advice is to pick an interest and go for it with everything you have; for example, if you think you may be even remotely interested in Mock Trial, sign up and attend every possible meeting.The more you immerse yourself in an activity, the more you’ll get out of it! So, rather than being indecisive by putting half your energy into multiple activities, or joining no extracurriculars at all, trust your gut and dedicate yourself to one activity. And, if you find yourself comfortable with taking on more activities (while still continuing your full efforts in the original), feel free to join more communities and learn more about your own interests in the process! Marymount offers a wide array of opportunities for personal growth and interpersonal connections, so be sure to take advantage and make the most of your time here.

Courtesy of Fiona vonSiemens, a Marymount Parent. The cast and crew of the Marymount Players take a bow after their performance of Clue, Fall 2019.

Secondly, you may leave Marymount with a twinge of regret if you solely dedicate time to in-school functions. While it is important to have a fun time at the place you spend five days a week, making memories off-campus is just as crucial to a balanced student life. Take advantage of the weekend and breaks: why not visit with old friends? Or go to camp? Or take a cooking class? No matter your interests, find an activity or group that you love! The possibilities to branch out are endless. Yes, it will take some effort and courage to begin this process and leave your comfort zone, but I can promise you that it is worth at least trying.

At this point I’m sure you understand the importance I stress upon being social. But what about grades? Don’t they still matter? Well, the short answer is this: of course they do. Marymount is a rigorous college preparatory school, so academics are to be kept a priority. This, however, does not mean throwing your personal life out the window! The key is to strike a balance. Establishing a routine could prove quite helpful to you, so start to set aside times each day for doing homework, and even a second window just for studying. The time you set aside can be in the morning before classes, in the evening after dinner, after your school activity, or during your free periods, just as some examples; but in the end, whatever works for you is perfectly alright.

Ultimately, your high school experience will be what you make of it. It will always be up to you whether you want to focus on your academic life, social life, or (per my recommendation) an even blend of both. To end, I will leave you with his final piece of advice: live in and enjoy the moment, because high school will be behind you sooner than you think.