As graduation comes around the corner, our seniors reminisce on their past four years of high school… thinking back to where it all began. One day they were merely freshmen, the next they were ending their sophomore year through a screen, and in the blink of an eye, they will be choosing their paths to college and walking down the stage to receive their diplomas. There’s no doubt Class of 2022 has collectively endured some changes throughout their years at Doral Academy, but they have also grown immensely as individuals, facing their highs and lows with determination to come out of high school as even better students and people. They have learned many lessons, and are now qualified more than ever to share their advice with the lowerclassmen who may need some guidance as they begin their high school journey. Hence why we gathered the top 5 tips c/o 2022 seniors would have wanted to hear as freshmen and the top 5 reminders they would want to hear from themselves in college.

1. Don’t take things so seriously but don’t slack off either.

This is the top piece of advice that seniors have given themselves and other underclassmen. At times, this may be difficult to keep in mind when it’s so simple to get caught up in expectations that others or even ourselves may set. Yet, it’s critical to remember that high school is only a fraction of our lives and that though our academics are important, it is okay to miss a day of school or a homework assignment once in a while… not all of them though, because completely slacking off can also lead to consequences in your academic and personal future.

2. Be more social, put yourself out there.

The second most common phrase that seniors mentioned they would’ve liked to tell their freshmen selves is to be more social, make more friends, get involved! The relationships you build in high school shape the adult that will eventually graduate and be in the real world, so choose wisely but put yourself out there. You never know who you will befriend with only a simple smile, or by joining a club, or by starting a conversation with a stranger. The people you meet now could change your life in 10 years, and even if you never see them again, there is always something to learn from every individual.

3. It’s true that four years pass by in the blink of an eye, enjoy them.

A cliché, but a very true one at that. One second you’re a newbie figuring out how to survive your ninth-grade year and the next you’re wondering what you would’ve told your freshman self, about to be one again but this time in college. So essentially, don’t forget to be present, in the good and bad moments, because it’s all part of growing up and it’s a beautiful process that we sometimes take for granted until it’s too late. Enjoy your friends, your teachers, even waking up at 6 a.m. and walking up the H building, because one day you’ll be looking back at this time in your life, and you’re going to want to remember it with joy.

4. Focus on you. Find out what you like and who you are on your own.

Focus on your self-growth and self-care. Pay attention to what activities and people bring you happiness and make sure to keep them close because we must prioritize our well-being and happiness above all else. It is also important to remember that this is a journey to have on your own, and though it’s crucial to have a support system of loved ones, you can’t be completely dependent on them either. Essentially, just make sure that you enjoy your life with other people as much as you do on your own.

5. Things get better, trust the process.

Aside from academic and home responsibilities, come emotions, situations, and all the other side effects of growing up. During the past four years, most of us have had a rollercoaster of highs and lows, which is normal for this time of our lives but it definitely can feel like the light in the tunnel is nowhere to be found or is very very far ahead. Our seniors want to remind whoever needs to hear this, that eventually, time does heal everything. Again as cliché as it sounds, things get better and it’s extremely important to trust yourself, and the process of growing and maturing.

Whether you’re an underclassman or an upperclassman, I hope this helped you, and I hope your future is filled not only with happiness but also with growth and change. And since this is my last article for FBDigital, I just want to say don’t ever stop reading, writing, and creating. With that said, happy graduation and welcome freshmen!