Actually, tomorrow's my last official day of school. After that, it's three exams and I'm out for the summer, and as soon as Mr. Morrow cuts off the last note at the graduation ceremony, wherever I may be, I shall no longer be a freshman. And yet, I shan't be a sophomore either since you're not really one of those until school starts up in September, and so I'll enjoy the state of limbo and just call myself a high-school kid.
But if there's anything I've learned this year, I'll state it here and now while I'm still conscious and able to procrastinate on my art project.
- Misjudging people is definitely something I learned I'm capable of. The biggest, most annoying jerk in orchestra has turned out to be a good friend of mine, and the kid who always skipped earth science is actually one of the funniest people I've met this year. I guess I need to bring myself back down to human level.
- Honors is a weird thing. I appreciate the opportunity, but my motivation levels are so low that doing my homework becomes more of a chore than usual, and my grades end up slipping because of that.
- Orchestra is probably one of the only reasons I stay at my school any more.
- German class is a joke.
- It's good to know how to keep something to yourself, be it your own secret or someone else's. Likewise, it's good to keep certain opinions to yourself, and sometimes it's just nice to shut up and bear something.
- I find it helpful to not bear a grudge against teachers for the way they do things, but instead take my education into my own hands and attempt to keep up.
- I'm gonna miss Newman's class.
- Things take time. Feeling uncomfortable is a commonality, especially in a classroom. Don't be afraid to make new friends.
- Swearing is useless.
- Jealousy is useless.
- People are useless.
- Art is a way to sustain the soul, and therefore is the reason I must keep my hands in tip-top shape.
- Don't spread yourself out too thin.
- There is no such thing as 'dorky' or 'cool'. There is only right and wrong. You wanna join some kids for a game of D&D? Cancel plans to study? Cancel studying for plans? As long as everything balances out, you're fine.
- Be nice to everyone. Grudges are irrelevant, people change.
- Stop not waiting 'till college. Enjoy high school while you can.
- Don't bother calling yourself fat or ugly. You don't like something about yourself? Change it.
- Yes. You do have the power. And it is your choice.
- Mind your own business.
- Dr. Seuss is always right. "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
So, to conclude Leyla's top 20 things she learned freshman year, I'd like to just thank everybody for being patient. I know I'm not perfect, and I can be annoying and weird and lazy, but I clearly have some friends sticking around.
Thank you.
See you all after my summer hibernation!
