Note to Underclassman

High school is a time of self-discovery and growth. If you allow it to, high school can be some of the best years of your life. Here is some advice that I would like to share with the underclassmen about making the most out of your high school experience.

My first piece of advice is to get involved as much as possible. Hills West has an endless amount of clubs, sports, and activities for a variety of interests. By getting involved, I don’t mean joining ten clubs and just signing in and out of meetings. Pick a few clubs that you are passionate about and that interest you. Become as involved as possible and eventually work your way up to hold a leadership position within the club. This is a great way to contribute to the Hills West community and to develop your leadership skills. Not only does it look good on a college resume, but getting involved can also be a lot of fun. During my years at West, I have had the pleasure to serve as the Secretary of Spanish Club, the Vice-President of Peer Aids Educators, and the President of Student Government. Being an officer of multiple has truly enhanced my high school experience. Having an officer position gives you the opportunity to have your voice heard and to be directly involved with all the activities of a club. As Student Government President, I have had the opportunity to be directly involved with planning events such as Junior Social, Senior Banquet, Prom, The Variety Show, and Homecoming. Even if you don’t have a leadership position in Student Government or SEC, I highly recommend to everyone that you get involved with Homecoming. Homecoming season is by far my favorite time of year. The spirit, teamwork, and unity that comes with Hills West Homecoming is unmatched by any other school and should be experienced by every student at Hills West.

My second piece of advice is to work hard, but play hard as well. Yes, college is important and I believe that every student should be working arduously to get into the best college possible; however, high school is meant to be enjoyed. Stay focused in school and work to your potential, but you should also spend time with your friends and family, take some time off for yourself, and take full advantage of your weekends. After a long week of sports practices, club meetings, out-of school activities, tests, and homework, you deserve to enjoy your weekend. Once everything was out of my way, I always loved to go to the gym, read a book, watch a movie/TV, hangout with friends and family, and continue my journey as a Pokémon Master.

My last piece of advice is to not let the work stress you out. Take the most challenging curriculum that YOU can handle. Get your work done, but realize that a bad test grade or missed homework isn’t the end of the world. Stress can also be avoided by effectively managing your time. Get your work done as early as possible so you can have time for whatever else may be going on in your life. Getting a good night sleep is important as well. Waking up for first period is brutal and should be considered child abuse; the only way to avoid feeling like a zombie the whole day is to go to bed as early as possible. Going to bed early will increase your focus and motivation in school, and will ultimately lead to a happier you.

Hope you guys find this advice helpful. Good luck to the underclassmen of Hills West!

Jason Rahimzadeh