Senior Advice from the Class of 2022
On behalf of the Pixel Journal, congratulations to the OHS Class of 2022! We wish them all the best in the next chapters of their lives and can’t wait to see where it takes them.
Before our seniors departed, Pixel Journal editor-in-chief Eryn (’23) collected some of their advice for surviving and thriving in high school. Here’s what they had to say:
On Academics
Artemis (MIT): Take it all one step at a time. Do your best in every assignment and every quiz and don’t worry too much about the final outcomes far ahead.
Boston (College of William and Mary): Work hard, but know when to take a break. Sometimes being in the right headspace with lots of rest will be better than anything else you try.
Ari (Columbia University): Think about what you really want to do/study, and go for it. Even if you are indecisive, acting on your ideas will give you the information you need to move forward.
Anonymous: Ask questions. Trust me, nobody knows what they're doing.
On the OHS Experience
Artemis (MIT): Try to create a steady routine and schedule. Online school is difficult and a steady routine will help with discipline.
Boston (College of William and Mary): Stay on top of your work—future you will love you for it.
On Friendships and Relationships
Artemis (MIT): Try to have friends from many outlets—OHS and outside.
Boston (College of William and Mary): Go for it.
Ari (Columbia University): Even if it feels like you're distant from others at OHS, don't be afraid to reach out to someone first—you never know where a conversation will lead you. Making connections at OHS is worth your time and will make your middle/high school experience much more enjoyable. (After all, it's better to be panic-writing a paper the day it's due with a friend encouraging you rather than without!)
Anonymous: Reach out to people—I found one of my best friends this year because we both procrastinated.
On the College Application Process
Artemis (MIT): Do your research (and mainly on yourself). Of course, learn as much as you can about colleges and what’s available to you, but most importantly learn about yourself and understand your story and your hopes and goals. This will help you not only present yourself as well as possible and authentically, but it will also be a source of drive for you.
Boston (College of William and Mary): Don't stress too much. Know that wherever you end up, you will be successful and happy, and that everything happens for a reason.
Ari (Columbia University): Take the time to research colleges in detail during early stages of the process (e.g., the summer before senior year) so that you can decide where you really want to apply and plan out any early deadlines. This will save you time later, rather than having to write all the applications *and* do all the research in the fall/winter of senior year.
Anonymous: Don't stress about it. This feels like the biggest moment of your life but I promise it isn't. I had so much more fun when I just enjoyed being with people in the moment. Focus, but don't let it consume you.
On College Admissions Essays
Artemis (MIT): Again, make sure you understand yourself and your goals well before tackling any essays. Have a solid and representative story set in your mind. If you don’t understand what you want well and clearly, how are you ever going to convincingly convey it to admissions officers?!
Boston (College of William and Mary): Start early; practice makes perfect, even with these!
Anonymous: Get that common app essay done over the summer!
On High School and Life
Artemis (MIT): It’s cliche, but enjoy the process. Try to stay present and not think too far ahead. Be present in the highs and the lows and enjoy every moment, not only focusing on how it contributes to a later outcome.
Ari (Columbia University): If you feel overwhelmed by anything at all, remember how far you've come and have faith in your own abilities—find reasons to keep going and rediscover your goals/passions, both old and new. Wishing you the best of luck!
Anonymous: Go outside. Have fun, it goes fast.
The responses in this article have been edited for clarity and brevity.