HIGH SCHOOL LIFE LESSONS

We, this year's graduates (2020), finished high school under extremely unusual circumstances. Despite the turbulent end of the 12^th grade in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, high school was an important four-year experience for us, filled with valuable knowledge and growth.

From the very first days when we entered high school, we felt the meaning of responsibility and that we were slowly saying goodbye to our childhood. In those days, we were all afraid of the unknown future. Some of us showed that fear and nervousness more than others. As time passed, we adapted to the new environment and very quickly got over our fear. But then the stress came - studying, tests and grades. And special challenges were relationships with family, with society at school and making new friends. Although it wasn't easy for us as we went through the anxiety of school and challenges with society during high school, it all helped us mature and shaped us.

But, of course, high school wasn’t only the stress but also beautiful events that we will always remember. We have all learned a lot not only from books but also through experiences and now we are ready for the next step.

We asked several of this year's seniors to share their high school experiences and advice with our readers.

Lana

SAN: What is the most important thing you learned in high school?

I learned that I shouldn't stress over small things. I realized that if I can't influence some things, there's no reason to worry about them so much. For example, sometimes I would worry because I have a lot to study for the next day and I don’t have a lot of time. I realized that because of my worry, I will not feel better or reduce the amount of work. Instead, it's better to relax and focus on better organization so that I can finish my studies.

SAN: In which school clubs or teams did you participate? Tell us about your experience.

I played volleyball for my school team for four years in high school. In the 12^th grade, our team was very successful. We were city champions and competed in the provincial championship! I have many good memories from that season that I will remember forever.

In addition, I was a member of the school's yearbook club. Throughout the year, we prepared material and pictures for the annual book. I loved this club because with our efforts, we managed to create a book with the best memories from that year for our school friends.

Tea

SAN: What would you say to your fourteen-year-old self before starting high school?

Don't worry about having a lot of friends, because when you're in the 12^th grade, you lose so many friends and find out who really matters and is there for you. Work hard in school, don't just mess around, you'll get yourself in trouble! And enjoy every moment!

SAN: What do you consider the best part of high school?

The best part of high school was hanging out with friends, either at school when we have class or when we have lunch/ school is over and we're all hanging out outside. We would laugh a lot, we were so happy, carefree and that was the most beautiful part for me. When I think about high school, I don't think about the classes, but friends who enabled those happy experiences.

Aco

SAN: How did you decide what to study?

At first I didn't know what I wanted to study. When I was younger, I wanted to study chemistry, and when I finally took a chemistry course in high school, I didn't really like it. So I thought about studying some other science subject, but I wasn't particularly interested in any of them. In my third year of high school, I started reading about math and saw how much math has to do with the real world. Actually, mathematics interested me and I decided to study it.

SAN: What should high school students keep in mind when applying to college?

I think that high school students should decide to study what interests them and what they like. Sometimes I hear parents tell their children that only certain jobs bring money. In my opinion, that is not true. If you don't like the path you've chosen, then you won't even try to succeed in it and you'll stay stuck in it. But if you like what you study and if you dedicate yourself to it, your career can be great.