Zac Brokenrope: Parting advice from a high school veteran

Freshmen:

    All right. I know what you're thinking. High school is totally crazy. But relax, it's not that bad.

    I figure since I'm about to "move on" to the next stage of my life, I should probably try to leave some advice for those left behind (in high school that is, not the other kind of left behind).

1.    Don't take things too seriously.

There will be days when it's crazy, when you don't think you're going to make it through and you want to murder everyone you meet (ask my siblings about this last one); but it really is all right in the end.

2.    Don't think that just because you're taking "easy classes" you can slack off.

During my sophomore year I had a C- in Art. Yup, Art. You're probably thinking, "Man, he must be lazy." Well yes, it's true. I'm kind of lazy. Don't be like me in that aspect. "Easy classes" are there to help you find your passion and make you grow in different ways. Just because you're taking Foods, doesn't mean you can't come out like Martha Steward pre-jail time.

3.    Be Yourself

This is probably the hardest one on the list. Over four years of high school I dyed my hair, lost weight (and gained it back), changed my musical taste, alternated friends, made enemies and went from wearing clothing at American Eagle to Hot Topic and then to somewhere in-between. The fact is that during high school you may not have any idea who you really are. That's cool; you'll figure it out. Just remember the things that are important to you.

4.    It's OK to screw up.

If you're anything like me, you're going to screw up a lot. You will fail tests and get rejected. Your parents will ride you over trivial things. You will trip onstage and you will mess up important moments. The important thing to remember is that nothing is ever really as bad as it seems. 

5.    Your parents are sometimes right.

Just kidding.

6.    No seriously, sometimes they are.

It's true. While in my case my parents were only right once (Jan. 16, 2005), it does happen. Sure, sometimes they may be a little detached from the moment, and, sure, they may come across uberlame when they're trying to use slang (I'm talking about you, Mom), but they really do mean the best for you.

7.    Study

It sucks, I know, but you have to do it. And trust me, it pays off in the end.

8.    Don't stay too late on the night before the ACT.

If I wouldn't have gone to a Green Day concert the night before I would have probably gotten a higher score. And seriously, the ACT is important. You shouldn't slack.

9.    Don't be a jerk.

You got a 31 on your ACT? Congrats. Do I think you're just trying to rub it in and show off? Of course. There's really no need to brag about your GPA or your ACT score. It just makes other people hate you. Also, don't make fun of people because they can't afford the same clothing/don't shower/like weird industrial music. They're just trying to get through high school like you.

10. You are not that cool.

In fact, you're actually probably kinda lame. It's true. Don't think you shouldn't go to prom because everyone else is. Don't think you should smoke just because you can (seriously, that's really stupid); none of it really all matters in the end. You have to do the things that just feel right. So what if you're an awkward dancer? Sometimes you just have to get out there and move. So what if you have a speech impediment? Your voice still deserves to be heard.



So there you have it. I know it's not much, but it's something. Seriously, just hang in there. It'll all be OK. Trust me.

Sincerely,

Zac Brokenrope



Zac Brokenrope graduated in May from Aurora High School.