Top 5: Leah's Top Five Advice for Maclay's Lowerclassmen

Maximize Your Time in High School

Photo by Blair Bayliss/Maclay Andalusian

1. Use your time wisely.

One of my favorite parts about Maclay is the time outside of class I can use for my specific needs. Community time and Advisory periods allow students to talk to teachers, get help at the MARC, work on assignments, and using that opportunity wisely can significantly reduce the stress from academic classes.

2. Take advantage of unique electives.

Maclay offers a wide range of amazing electives. It is common to find students avoiding those classes to take another AP class that can boost their weighted GPA, but there is so much more you can learn from the electives you are passionate about. For me, I am beyond grateful to have discovered my passion for journalism through my newspaper class. It has truly changed my life and the way I interact with my community.

3. Meet new people.

A lot of people at Maclay seem to have known each other since a young age. Having childhood friends is a gift, but there is always something you can learn from interacting with new people. I have built relationships with a variety of people through Maclay’s clubs, and that’s what makes my high school memory so diverse and memorable. So, don’t be afraid to talk to strangers.

4. Get out of your comfort zone.

High school can feel like the scariest place to be in; at least it was to me for a while. You may feel safer and more protected within your own boundaries of classes, activities and friend groups, but you only start growing once you step out of it. Writing certain opinion articles, interviewing people on campus and taking infamously difficult classes were definitely out of my comfort zone, but I have gained a new perspective on myself and my community because of them.

5. Enjoy your time in high school while it lasts.

Since sophomore year, I could not wait for college–to meet new people, get exposed to the bigger world and become an adult. Looking back, I was always awaiting a better future, when I could’ve cherished the little joy in the present more. High school has been tough from time to time, but I know I’m going to miss it when I leave for college.