Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Top Ten Things To Do In High School

Remember my pal, Shelly, that I told you about yesterday?  Today, Shelly and Katy are hosting their linkup Spiel the Beans with the Queens.  Today's topic is School Day Memories, and advice you'd give your younger self.


I think one of the reasons I look forward to fall every year is because I loved school growing up.  I loved picking out my first day of school outfit...OK, who am I kidding, I loved picking out my first week of school outfits.  I loved carefully choosing my backpack and all my school supplies, and sitting with my Dad as he wrote my name diligently on all my supplies.  I loved the anticipation of waiting to see what teacher I would receive, and who would be in my class...and would there be a, gasp, new kid...and would he be cute?  

I always went to small schools that were a huge part of our community.  I am so blessed to be raising my children in a similar school district.  My husband thinks my memory is crazy, but I vividly remember my first day of kindergarten.  I remember the red and blue sailor dress I wore, and the fact that I adored my teacher from the minute I laid eyes on her.  I remember begging my mom to let me ride the bus home.  She let me, but years later told me she drove to the school and watched me (from a distance) to make sure I got on the bus, then followed the bus home, and rushed in the house just in time to be waiting for me...probably with homemade cookies.



Those of you that know me well, know I struggle with punctuality.  It won't surprise you to know that I had quite a few tardies in my day.  In fact, my parents had to bribe me to be on time.  I got to go get an Iccee after school on the days I actually made it on time in 5th grade.  That should tell you the days I was tardy by far out weigh the days I was not.  Hey, I'm still working on that aspect of my life.  My Sunday School friends are nodding their heads right now.


My daughter, Kendall, is about to enter her junior year, and the advice I have given her is probably opposite of what most parents give their high school aged children....JUST HAVE FUN!  Well, you know, as long as you're making good moral choices and giving your all in school.  I'm a big fan of Top Ten lists, so here's my list of Top Ten Things To Do In High School (catchy title, right?), in no particular order...other than #1.

10.  Don't take life too seriously.  Ask yourself, Is this really going to matter in five years?

9.  Do your best on your school work.  You are learning about work ethic.  If you put your name on something, it better be your best attempt.

Speaking of putting your name on something...

8.  Don't put anything out in the "viral world" unless you'd be willing to have it on the big screen at church on Sunday morning.  This includes texts, Snapchats, Facebook, Instagram...whatever else you kids are into this week.

7.  The road is unforgiving.  That's a piece of advice my Dad gave me when I was learning to drive.  I will forgive you for putting a dent in the car...or worse, but the road will not.  Drive safely.  You are transporting my most precious cargo.

6.  Respect your teachers!  Yes, you may have one that you don't like that much.  Maybe you see him as unfair.  Maybe she's trying to push you because she sees potential in you, that you don't.  You don't have to like her, but you must respect her.  Life is full of people you don't like, you might as well get use to this fact, and make the most of it.

5.  Cherish your friends; and remember, when it comes to friendship, quality over quantity!  Choose the type of friend that you can be yourself around, and will call you out when you're somewhere you are not suppose to be.

4.  Spend time with the people that matter most.  Let's be honest, a week after you graduate high school, you won't ever see most of these people again.  Yes, you should cherish your friendships, but don't get too busy for your family either.  We want to soak up these days with you, too.

3.  Go the extra mile for someone.  You never know how little a kind word can matter in someone's day.  Invite someone new to sit at your lunch table.  Let someone borrow a pencil.  Compliment a friend on their new haircut.  Life is full of negativity, be different.

2.  Laugh 'til it hurts!  Those little inside jokes you have with your friends...soak them up!  The moments that you can't catch your breath because you're laughing so hard...remember it.

1.  Be true to you!  You are a child of God, and He has called you to let your light shine!  You may think you are just one person, but you can make a difference.


I am so excited for school to start next week and see where this next chapter of life leads us.  Besides Kendall starting her junior year, Jess will be entering his last year of preschool and Jentry will be starting her first.  Which means I will be home alone for the first time in five years.  EEEk!  Whatever will I do with myself!

Be sure to check out Shelly and Katy's linkup to reminisce about more school day fun.  I'm also linking up with Beth for Tuesday Talk!  Have a great day!

Emily







15 comments:

  1. "Do your best on your school work. You are learning about work ethic. If you put your name on something, it better be your best attempt." I love this so much!! Thanks for linking with us today!

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    1. Thanks, Katy! This was such a fun topic. I loved reading yours, too!

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  2. Aww I love this list! I was the opposite of you.. not a school lover AT ALL. I could've used some of this advice for sure!

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    1. Thanks, Jacquelyn!! I hope you guys are doing well.

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  3. Great post! Loved seeing all you pictures!

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  4. I LOVE your point about not taking everything too seriously. I was WAY overly serious about everything in high school and I always made such a big deal about every little thing that happened... if I could go back and do it all again that would be what I would change. Because it's so true... nothing that happened in high school even really matters now!

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    1. Thanks, Lindsay! I guess it's true, hindsight is 20/20! Hope you're having a great week.

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  5. I love your top ten~
    I need to tell my 11 year #9~ :)

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  6. Oh..my....heavens...Jentry looks just like you did!!!! Love all of your advice. I really think having kids when we were young gives us a little different perspective. Love all your memories and advice! Thanks so much for linking up with us today Emily!!

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  7. All great advice! I hated high school and wish I had been able to enjoy it more!

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  8. LOVE your advice. I am so glad that we did not have social media growing up!

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  9. SUCH great advice! I love each and every point you made!

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  10. Home alone! Eeeekkk that sounds so quiet. I bet it will be fantastic. Loved your advice friend. I really wish I could have a high school re-do.

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  11. Emily, what a great list. I'll be sharing this in the hopes that the young people I love will take it to heart! I'm visiting today from Tuesday Talk. Blessings!

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