Walking into Miami Palmetto Senior High on my first day of school, I was dazed; I did not know where to go or what to do. But there was a little voice in the back of my mind telling me that all was going to be okay. Listen to that voice and do not let social media or other people try to scare you during your first year of high school. 

As the school year begins, familiarize yourself with your surroundings. This set of buildings will be your home for the next four years. When you move into a new house, you want to learn everything about it. High school will be your new home, so get to know the ins and outs

Challenge yourself. Whether it be taking rigorous classes, participating in activities, or enrolling in classes that will engage the active part of your brain. Do not dive into classes that you know you cannot handle or push yourself to the point where you are overwhelmed, especially if it starts to affect your mental health. 

On that note, put your mental health first, matter of fact, prioritize it over everything. The more you progress in high school, the more stress will be added to your plate; learn how to adapt and make sure that it does not become too much for you to handle.

Try to establish relationships with teachers and staff. At MPSH, the staff is as friendly as it gets. You do not know how far a relationship with a teacher might take you, it goes beyond letters of recommendation. Once graduation comes around, that teacher can be by your side all the way until after college. Take the time to get to know a variety of teachers, not just your own and you will realize that most want to help you be the best version of yourself. They are humans, just like us.

As you progress from a freshman to sophomore to junior, all the way to being a senior, maturity will follow. There is a multitude of things that I could share, but everyone’s experience is unique to their own interests. . Do not be scared to try new things. Join clubs that pique your interest. Take the risk and try out for a sports team, without fearing the outcome. A big part of high school is making memories. Take yourself out of your comfort zone. Learn how to adapt and become that student you have always wanted to be. 

The single most important piece of advice that I can give as a senior at MPSH is to stay true to yourself. Do not change for anyone or anything. Do not take any of the time you have now for granted.