You receive this letter from a junior at the end of the 2026 school year. Entering your sophomore year, make sure of a few things: Is your schedule full? Are you challenging yourself but being careful not to overwhelm yourself? If you’re doing a sport, remember that while it can dominate your life for a season, it doesn’t have to. Have courage in your endeavors. Notice people. And as for school, take the ugly required classes now! Don’t put it off till junior or senior year. Find out what you need to take and take it.
Develop good study habits– remember to study. Use all of your time wisely. Don’t sit in front of screens watching tv, scrolling, or playing a game. You have talents waiting to be discovered and friends waiting for you to pay attention to them. People will come and go. Judge wisely, not harshly. When you don’t understand someone’s choices, reflect that you are not them and cannot comprehend exactly what they are going through. Love people; don’t judge them.
Friends are investments. Make sure to spend your time with the right ones. Those who actually care about you. And even if you love someone dearly, but they consistently leave you feeling down, perhaps some distance is necessary. Always be kind and never hold a grudge, but make sure not to linger with people who affect you negatively or make you feel guilty and unwanted.
Set boundaries! When you set boundaries kindly and honestly, you will be more respected, and you will feel more comfortable in your relationships. Sometimes you don’t need to avoid a person or harbor bitter feelings- you just need to stop a certain behavior by setting a boundary. It increases respect both ways and is much more considerate to the other person than avoiding them.
Dont obsess! If you find yourself obsessing over anything, whether that be a friend, a game, a show, a class, a sport, a boyfriend/girlfriend, a hobby, STOP. Dedication is necessary to develop any relationship or skill, but if you find something constantly on your mind, that’s unhealthy. It’s just unhealthy! Too much of any good thing becomes bad. Even water, which is necessary for survival. Most people don’t drink enough. But if you drink too much, it can kill you. [For more information, research water intoxication] All good things in moderation. Balance is key. And DONT ever let dating become a hobby. Be your own person before you find another.
Reach out to new people, especially people you have a difficult time understanding. Work hard and don’t fall behind in your classes. Develop good habits, find some new hobbies, get out of the house, AND your comfort zone. Try new things, take whatever opportunities come your way. Get your priorities straight and find happiness in the little things in life.
You are only insignificant if you choose to be. Love yourself. If you decide it’s going to be a great year.. It’s gonna be an amazing year! You’ve got this, and people love you- but more importantly, God loves you. As Dr Seuss once said..
“You’re off to great places
Today is your day
Your mountain is waiting
So get on your way!”
-from your cool upperclassman, Acacia Vingoe.