After more than an entire year of remote learning, we’re finally back in the building. However, for many freshmen and sophomores, who had just stepped foot in the building for the very first time, this new transition can be extremely intimidating. And for many of us, high school’s end is approaching quickly. I decided to ask fellow seniors and juniors for advice to give to their younger selves. Basically, what they would’ve done differently if they could do it all over again? Here are some tips to help navigate your high school journey at FDR.

“I would tell myself to take time for yourself- your mental health and be careful who you call your friends.” -Rosenai J. ‘22

“Avoid procrastination and bring matters of your future into close consideration; thus you wouldn’t struggle as much when the time comes.” -Derek N., ‘22

“I would just not take my time for granted, cause it goes by so fast. No matter how late an assignment is, just do it. Also, I probably would not cry over assignments that I didn’t do well on.” -Cindy R., ‘23 

“I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to be different. And that it’s important to embrace your uniqueness. If I could do it all [over] again, something I would have done differently is that I would have appreciated more the opportunities I have, to be able to learn and go to school. Appreciated, in the sense, that I would have worked harder, and put more effort into school and exams.” -Barakat J., ‘22

“I would probably say to learn how to manage your time, because it’s going to save you a lot of hassle and make life a lot easier as you progress through high school.” -Radoslaw R., ‘22

“I wish I pushed myself harder back and stepped out of [my] comfort zone more often, because I missed out on a lot of opportunities to expand my networking with some amazing people out there.” -Helen Z., ‘22

“I’d tell myself to do more clubs and hang out with friends outside of school.” -Joshua S., ‘22

“Stay consistent with your grades and [try] not to mess up with classes in your freshman year of high school.” -Liam G., ‘22

“The advice I would give myself is to reach out more to faculty and staff. In freshman year I didn’t do much networking, and it hurt me during junior year. Networking is key to developing a solid base for opportunities and recommendations. Additionally, to take challenging classes, more AP and honors, rather than regular bland classes.” -Matthew G., ‘22

“Don’t worry too much.” -Say P., ‘22

“Be more involved in school activities like clubs starting freshman year.” -Sabrina Z., ‘22

“Focus on grades, join clubs, get to know your teachers, so in the future you can ask them to write a letter of recommendation for college.” -Melanie T., ‘22

“Decide what you want to do, and what kind of profession you are interested in [earlier on]. Because, during junior and senior year, you will be busy preparing for the SAT and applying to college(s).” -Murat K., ‘23

“Do volunteer hours early and save some time for a job. And join sports teams earlier.” -Vincent Z., ’22

“Don’t be afraid to get involved in the school and in your community, you never know what you’re capable of until you try. Start as early as possible, it’s not as scary as it seems.” -Li Na J., ’22

“Don’t slack off, everything you do will bite you in your b**t eventually. You should be more considerate of the future while still having fun. The greatest secret to school is enjoying yourself and doing great academically.” -Anton D., ‘22