By Morgan Hennessey – Columns Editor

We are about a month into school and it is so hard to imagine how quickly it went. The freshmen are finding their way through the halls by now, and the seniors should be working hard on their college search (I suggest you find your way down to College and Career if you have not already). Hopefully, all of you are trying your very best in all of your classes. As you know, every year counts. Trust me, freshmen, slacking off in your first period math class will haunt you for the rest of your high school career, so please don’t think it doesn’t matter because it does.

Freshman year, sophomore year, junior year, senior year… It is all going to be stressful if you don’t get organized and pace yourself, and that’s the painful truth. It’s so very crucial not to leave homework assignments until the last minute. Procrastination is an evil thing, and you know what they say: old habits die hard. If you have a project due next week, work on it a little bit every day. It’s also going to be stressful if you focus all your attention on your homework, so that’s where organization comes into play. Plan out homework time, and then enjoy yourself because you deserve it!

School is a hard work but it can also be a place for fun, believe it or not. There are tons of sports available to you every season, clubs for all kinda of interests, whether you like art, learning a new language, or community service, and let’s not forget homecoming is creeping up on us, along with other exciting events throughout the entire year. Whether you are on the team or going to the Friday night games, get involved somehow because it is the easiest way to make friends and have a good time.

Be sure to surround yourself with good people who bring out your best; these four years will go by quickly and it’s nice to have friends along for the ride. Never forget the importance of doing your best in all that you do, whether it’s in sports, in community service, or in your classes. Never hold yourself back from your full potential. Most of all, do not waste these valuable years constantly stressing. Enjoy high school, I’ve heard it’s the best time of your life.

Make the best out of this school year whether it’s your first or your last, and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.

(Artwork by Chris Heine)