For the past week, I’ve talked to several seniors about advice they would give to students in grades below. While I got plenty of different answers, from spending time with friends to trying lots of extracurriculars, they all carried a common theme- maintaining a life outside of academics. Of course, no one’s advice was to ignore or put little effort into school work, but I found it noteworthy that when reflecting on their four years of high school, other aspects of student life, like friendships, clubs, and sports, took priority. Over the years, so many students spend their time at school stressing over their future, only appreciating the parts they most enjoyed as the era comes to an end.

If students decide to take anything from the advice seniors gave this year, it should be to find balance in their lives. Even when it seems impossible, taking the time to prioritize the things that bring joy carries an importance beyond surface level gratification. When quality of life improves for students, so does overall performance, proving that academics and recreation are perfectly compatible. While academics are an essential part of student life, the time spent pursuing passions, seeking new experiences, and socializing with peers are ultimately what makes a student’s four years at high school the most memorable and should not go undervalued.