advice from a bhs graduate
gilliansimpson'19
It’s the beginning of a new school year and many freshmen are seeking advice from upperclassmen on how to act, what clubs to do, and why high school (specifically BHS) is so special. But why not get guidance from someone who has already finished high school; someone who can help not only freshmen, but sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well? In this interview with Bedford High School Graduate Lydia Lawrence, currently studying at the University of Chicago, you will learn everything you need to know to survive another school year and even enjoy it.
Lydia said that some of the best advice she can give students is to “thank a teacher… No matter what year of high school you are in, teachers are a huge resource,” she said, “Ask them about class, about study skills, or about college. And tell them you appreciate them.” She also emphasizes that it’s great to thank others, too; they can be just as beneficial to you during your high school career. Whether you’re thanking a friend for their help with homework or someone random who held the door open, uttering two little words can make someone’s day.
High school is great but vastly different from college. Lydia explains, “I’m only in school about fifteen hours a week, but there’s a lot more work to be done outside of class.” According to Lydia, “that means I have to be more productive during (most of) the other hours in the day, which can be challenging,” but this freedom comes with perks as well, and, as Lydia put it, “I have more time to go to interesting events, clubs meetings, or lunch with friends.” She also remarked “I love being in a city! There’s so much to explore, to see, and to eat, and I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of the college schedule so I can do these things.”
As great as college is, there are still things about BHS that she misses. “Since everyone’s in the same building in high school, you’re far more likely to see friends and acquaintances all the time. Here [at college], there’s a lot more people (and buildings), so I might go a few days without seeing close friends in person because our paths just don’t cross.” She added that “since leaving, I’ve come to appreciate BHS a lot. I loved the 3/$1 cookies on Friday and the crossword puzzles in the library.” But, “my favorite thing,” she told me, “was my math class junior and senior years: never did I appreciate, understand, or enjoy math more than in those years.”
When Lydia was at BHS, she was a member of Math Team, Science Olympiad, Key Club, Model UN, and sports teams. “My favorite activities by far were those I just did for fun,” she mentioned, “helping with lighting for shows and ski club. I was an unnecessary (yet welcomed) member of the theater tech department and I was a dreadful ski racer but I really enjoyed both of them and learned a lot.” So, if you don’t know what club to join, look for what’s interesting, and just as Lydia did, you’ll have fun.
Most importantly, don’t stress; high school isn’t that scary, and, just as Lydia does, you will remember your experiences at BHS even after you leave.
Lydia said that some of the best advice she can give students is to “thank a teacher… No matter what year of high school you are in, teachers are a huge resource,” she said, “Ask them about class, about study skills, or about college. And tell them you appreciate them.” She also emphasizes that it’s great to thank others, too; they can be just as beneficial to you during your high school career. Whether you’re thanking a friend for their help with homework or someone random who held the door open, uttering two little words can make someone’s day.
High school is great but vastly different from college. Lydia explains, “I’m only in school about fifteen hours a week, but there’s a lot more work to be done outside of class.” According to Lydia, “that means I have to be more productive during (most of) the other hours in the day, which can be challenging,” but this freedom comes with perks as well, and, as Lydia put it, “I have more time to go to interesting events, clubs meetings, or lunch with friends.” She also remarked “I love being in a city! There’s so much to explore, to see, and to eat, and I’ve enjoyed the flexibility of the college schedule so I can do these things.”
As great as college is, there are still things about BHS that she misses. “Since everyone’s in the same building in high school, you’re far more likely to see friends and acquaintances all the time. Here [at college], there’s a lot more people (and buildings), so I might go a few days without seeing close friends in person because our paths just don’t cross.” She added that “since leaving, I’ve come to appreciate BHS a lot. I loved the 3/$1 cookies on Friday and the crossword puzzles in the library.” But, “my favorite thing,” she told me, “was my math class junior and senior years: never did I appreciate, understand, or enjoy math more than in those years.”
When Lydia was at BHS, she was a member of Math Team, Science Olympiad, Key Club, Model UN, and sports teams. “My favorite activities by far were those I just did for fun,” she mentioned, “helping with lighting for shows and ski club. I was an unnecessary (yet welcomed) member of the theater tech department and I was a dreadful ski racer but I really enjoyed both of them and learned a lot.” So, if you don’t know what club to join, look for what’s interesting, and just as Lydia did, you’ll have fun.
Most importantly, don’t stress; high school isn’t that scary, and, just as Lydia does, you will remember your experiences at BHS even after you leave.
