As graduation gets closer, many seniors are taking time to reflect on their high school years like what they’ve learned, enjoyed and might do differently if they had the chance to start over. While every experience is different, their perspectives offer helpful insight for younger students still making their way through high school. 

For senior Easton Gothberg, one of the biggest takeaways is the importance of getting a strong start academically. 

“I would’ve tried more academically freshman year because it set me back for my cumulative GPA,” Gothberg said. He also mentioned wishing he had stayed involved in basketball and made more of an effort to meet new people.  

“I would’ve tried to go out of my way to talk to more people so I could have more connections,” Gothberg said. Overall, Gothberg looks back positively on his time in high school, saying he enjoyed the experience and feels good about where he is now. 

Senior Jet Janssen emphasized the value of listening to teachers and being challenged early on.  

“I would have studied more and taken teachers’ advice and apply it. They know more than you think,” Janssen said. “Mr. Miller told me to take college classes, but I didn’t, and I had to switch into them halfway through the year, so now, I have double the work.” Looking ahead, Janssen believes starting earlier would have made things smoother for his senior year and created more opportunities for the future. 

For senior Layne Naismith, consistency and involvement stand out.  

“If I could go back, I would lock in the first couple years, not skip as much class,” Naismith said. “I also would’ve had better grades and not worry about an attendance plan.” Staying on top of attendance and school work can make a big difference in reducing stress later on. He also mentioned wishing he had joined chess club, an activity he feels confident he would have enjoyed and done well in. He adds that being more involved in school could have made his experience even better. 

Across these reflections, the main takeaway is to take advantage of opportunities early, stay involved and not to be afraid to step outside of comfort zones. Whether it’s focusing on academics, joining activities or building connections, small choices can shape the overall high school experience. 

For underclassmen, these insights serve as a reminder that high school goes by quickly. Making the most of each year can lead to a more balanced, enjoyable and rewarding journey.