What do you wish you learned in high school? Here, readers reveal valuable lessons they wish they had learned beyond academics.
Last month was my 10-year high school reunion. Though I wasn’t able to attend, I did spend some time reflecting on all that happened and all the memories that were made during that crucial time. While I would say I had a good experience overall, looking back I would have been less involved in drama and popularity contests and more involved in the clubs and activities the school had to offer. The “cool” kids are no longer cool — in fact, I don’t even remember their names. If I knew then what I know now, high school would have been more about me and my interests rather than trying to fit in. Here, others share what they wish they had known in high school.
A few months after high school, no one but you will remember 99 percent of the things you were focused on, so be the best person you can be. — Eli
I wish I learned that the main problem with keeping a job would be the people I work for, not the work itself or the education to get there. — John
The kids that thought they were “all that” never really do anything with themselves. — Michelle
To not stress about boys and dating and that I would meet “the one” shortly after college. — Sarah
Everyone is insecure. That’s OK. — Michelle
Don’t take it so seriously! — Michelle
Everybody has secrets. What others appear to have may be nothing close to what they are experiencing. — Holly
It would have been life-changing for me to know that what I thought about myself was more important than what others thought of me. — Melissa
I wish I learned more about owning and operating your own business. — Teana
By your 25th reunion, no one remembers if you fit in or not in high school. — Deb
Your SAT scores don’t define you. — Hilary
These are not the best years of your life. — Deb
Love yourself more than you love your dating partner. — Anisah
Being an overachiever isn’t a prerequisite for living life! — Casey
Enjoy learning and make friends on a
deeper level. — Raj
Find something you love and become
great at it. — Rachelle
Who you know is more important than what you know. Kindness is key! — Rachelle
I wish I learned more career options other than the traditional American dream. — Rick
College would have been a smarter choice than marriage and twins. — LinDee
I wish I recognized the importance of joining social and academic clubs. — Theresa
Boys will like you more if you make
them wait. — Diana
Every boyfriend is not your potential
husband. — Trisha
The friends you have right now in high school most likely won’t be the friends you have
for life. — Trisha
Despite what everyone says, high school is most likely one of the low points of your life. — Shane
The hot cheerleader is going to get fat. — Shane
It’s OK to make your own way. Passion is key. — Ina
The person I fall in love with first isn’t who I’ll love last. — Tamar
Living life to please others will only leave you disappointed. — Tammy
Do what you need to do to pass, and
move on. — Shane
I wish I had known the importance of everyday physical health. — Theresa
I wish I had known that I was dyslexic. — Holly
That being smart is a good thing. — Luis
The second you graduate, nothing that happened in high school matters one iota. — Terri
High school does not prepare you for the real world in any way, shape or form. — Terri
I wish I had known more about finding
scholarships. — Alex
Real life isn’t all about boys, dancing
and makeup. — LinDee
I should have saved for a rainy day. — Tammy
Do one thing you love every day. — Anisah
That it’s not worth wasting time on cute girls that are mean. — Luis
Unconventional paths are sometimes the most fulfilling. — Dolce
Don’t feel pressure to go to prom. — Lisa
The key to life is to fail and try again. — Brian
Being teased isn’t a representation of who I am forever. — Tamar
That college funding was available through many sources. — Diane
It’s OK to change your mind and change your path at any time. — Kirsty
Whether you like it or not, your parents really do know what is best for you. — Crystal
I wish I had learned more on how to manage
money. — Jane
I wish I knew that AP classes only count if you pass the AP exam. — Alex
To always stick with my morals. — Randy
The kids around me don’t define me. — Kathy
tell us:
Readers: What do you wish you learned in high school? Share in the comments below!
More on high school
Life after high school
Preventing school dropouts: How you can make a difference
5 Creative gifts for the high school graduate
Leave a Comment