To the Class of 2031,
Listen up. You’re in for a ride. So buckle up! Because when this coaster starts up, it’s going to gain momentum… and it’s not going to show any sign of stopping. Before you know it, it’s all going to be a blur.
Luckily, as someone who went through this, I have some advice.
Get ready to take notes.
1. Don’t fall in with the crowd.
Your instinct will tell you otherwise, but trust me; at the end of this, you won’t regret the number of times you didn’t listen to the silly or even potentially harmful request of a friend, but you will regret not being yourself and sticking to your own values.
2. Be on time in the morning.
I know it’s tough, but it’s a great habit to get into that will go a long way.
3. Join a variety of clubs and activities.
Right now is your time to try everything. You have the freedom given that coursework is not that heavy, and you’ll be able to narrow your scope as you find out what interests you the most.
4. Talk!
One of the greatest things about Sewanhaka are the faces, whose origin can be traced back to places across the world. This exposure to diversity is a blessing. We can see and hear a variety of cultural and social perspectives, broadening our world view.
So, talk. Even if it means getting out of your comfort zone, you’ll form relationships worth far beyond what you ever could have initially thought.
5. Consider what Sewanhaka offers.
It’s a bit early, so I don’t want to stress you, but if you have a career in mind or are interested in learning more about a specific subject, explore what Sewanhaka has. I guarantee it will surprise you the programs and electives that are available. If you’re interested, check out the Course Catalog on Sewanhaka’s website.
6. Check out the library!
One of the best things about Sewanhaka. If you haven’t been there already, I urge you to do so, and if you have (which I assume is the case for the majority), try checking out some books or go there with your friends during an off period to kill time with some board games.
7. Don’t run in the hallway.
It’s annoying, and you’ll realize that as you get older. Avoid it.
8. One of Sewanhaka’s best kept secrets is a pool.
Next time you’re on the third floor, check out what is written above the door that is next to the stairwell across from room 327, the science office.
9. We’re a family at Sewanhaka.
I know it sounds cliche, but it’s the honest truth. If you’re ever having trouble, there is always someone to talk to, whether that be a teacher, counselor, an assistant principal, another student—I could go on, but the point is that you are never alone.
10. Sewanhaka is as good as you will make it to be.
Your attitude changes everything. If you want to work hard and make use of your time well, it’ll pay off. So, take some of this advice. We can’t be perfect so it’s ok to make mistakes, but make sure to learn from them.
Have fun.
Best of luck,
Rajbir Toor
P.S. For number three, one of the best activities you could get involved in is Sewanhaka’s newspaper, The Raven’s Quill—no bias of course.
