Senior Advice {27 helpful hints}

To the cute sophomores who will soon be walking down the halls, and the juniors who think they have it all figured out, here are a few handy dandy little things I've learned-

1. Be kind- be kind to your friends, family, teachers, the people who only talk to you sometimes, strangers, and everyone you come across. I promise it will make the biggest difference in your life

2. Smile- smile through the good days, the bad days, the silly days, and all the days in between. Everyone needs a smile, and smiles are contagious :)

3. If you don't know someone who is sitting at your lunch table, meet them. You instantly gain a friend, or at least a familiar face in the hallways

4. If you are stuck in the commons and the bell for lunch rang over 5 minutes ago, simply wait until the last ten minutes of lunch to grab your food or you will be waiting FOREVER. (Or take a friend to wait with you, or make a friend in the lunch line. Either way)

5. Turn in things on time. A 10% dock on one assignment could make all the difference at end of term

6. It is always acceptable to sing High School Musical songs in the middle of the hallway. Don't let anyone tell you that it's not "socially acceptable"

7. Stick your phone in your pocket while walking down the halls. It's a nasty habit we all have, to pull out our phones so we don't feel uncomfortable, but one day we will miss walking down the crowded hallways of High School and we are going to wish we looked up. (Or not. I don't actually know for sure, yet)

8. Stand up for what you believe in- simply be in the right place at the right time. Step away from anything you shouldn't be around. (I always have a GC talk ready to study on my phone/in my backpack if needs be)

9. If you have a tough week carry around your scriptures, it instantly makes you feel better, and you can simply read a scripture to brighten your day

10. Secrets- if you are trusted with one, just keep it. I promise it is so much easier.

11. Don't worry, even the cutest people at school have their own fears, and flaws. No one is as perfect as you think they are

12. Bring people treats- people really like treats, and treats make peoples day so much better! Especially on test days. (Also- if you bring pop rocks pray that you have a chill sub in Physics because the boys mess with them while everyone is still testing)

13. Don't worry, be happy- the hint for this one is asking yourself if what you may be worried about, is going to matter in ten years/eternity If it doesn't, then you probably don't need to worry about it.

14. Talk to the cute boy in your class, maybe you will become friends or somethin' (Hopefully somethin', that's what I'm voting for, for you)

15. Don't care so much about what people post on Social Media. They are living their own life, and you are living your life. It is not worth comparing.

16. Take pictures- you will want to remember all of it. (Or just ask me for pictures, because my job is to basically document everything)
But, also remember to put the camera down and try to experience everything

17. Go to every football, basketball, theater performance, dance concert, art show that you possibly can. You will love HS so much more if you see what everyone in your school does.
#supportthor

18. Ice. Cream. Fridays. They are a legit thing. I once did it it for a few straight months in middle school, and I believe everyone should try to make *ice cream Friday's a thing. (This goes great with Missionary Mondays, Temple Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesdays, Thorsdays) *can be substituted for tasty treat Fridays OR snow cones

19. Bring your teachers presents, or at least be really nice to them. This is so helpful because some of the greatest listeners/advice givers/people I've ever met have been teachers. (s/o Mrs. Hinckley, and Schramn)

20. Remember- High School doesn't last forever. None of it does, even if you want it to. So soak it all up. Remember that the bad days you will for sure have, won't last forever. And also remember that the good days will go by in the blink of an eye if you let 'em. (Plug for keeping a journal. Basically I am a huge believer in journaling. If you don't have a journal, let me know. I will get you one. Just ask Braden)

21. When yearbook day comes around, be honest. Say something heartfelt, even if it is just something you noticed about them once. Go short-n-simple or long and important. (Save pages/get the people you like the most to sign first because there wasn't a single page in the book that didn't have a signature on it this year) ALSO- get the cute boy/or girl you like to sign your yearbook. Geez Louise, if you don't, you are seriously doing yearbook day wrong!

22. Be honest- a lie will get you no where. And people don't like people who lie a lot. Especially if they lie to everyone about certain things to make themselves look better. It is just not becoming of a person at all!

23. Know names. This is extremely important because people love to hear their own name, the love to be notices, and have people remember them. If you've met someone more than 3 times you should remember their name. No excuses. (I really struggle with this a lot, but just keep trying)

24. Go to the temple- I won't lie, HS can, and probably will make your life very busy but I urge you to make the temple a priority. The temple is something I have grown to love very dearly since Freshman year, and it is truly one of the best places to go when you are happy or sad or stressed or lonely. It is just a fabulous place. 

26. Don't forget your close friends birthdays. Give them a present. Celebrate them, because they are your friend and they matter. (Hint- keep a list of inside jokes or special things to get them. I have a terrible memory so a list is helpful)

25. Have fun. 
It's cliche and a simple saying, but do whatever (if it is wholesome and in the guidelines of TFSoY) you enjoy doing. Don't let anyone tell you that you won't be good enough, or smart enough for something. You are capable of so much more than you, or anyone else could ever know. So simply live your own life and have fun with High School.

26. Remember you are so loved, and that your Heavenly Father is always there for you. If you need a reminder of that, I have a couple categorized General Conference talks by some pretty cool people that may help you. 

27. Be friends with everyone. Be involved. Have a happy attitude. Try your hardest. And don't be afraid to ask for help. (These are just all really simple. but crucial things to remember)

As my dear pals Ryan and Kelsi sang in HSM3, "High school wasn't meant to last forever..." so I hope you live it up, party a lot, and remember that homework isn't everything.
 [&&Cheers to the best school year you've ever had!]