By Diem Tran

SAN JOSE, CALIF. ⸺ As a graduating senior at Silver Creek High School, I have experienced countless trials and errors- and here are my words of wisdom.

1. Be kind to yourself and others- everyone is going through their own things.

Virtues I will never stress enough are having empathy and compassion. Being able to put yourself in another person’s shoes allows you to understand them and their circumstances on a deeper level. Remember to be kind to your hardworking teachers and staff and peers who are learning who they are, just like you. Do not just practice these qualities for others, but also yourself. Being hard on yourself will only do harm in the long run.

2. Good things come in time. 

Do not have the mindset of, “Why does everything bad happen to me?” Instead, change it to, “Everything happens for me”. Despite how aggravating it may be to hear this phrase, I promise that everything truly does happen for a reason. Be patient with how long something may take you to learn. Go with the flow. Let things play out.

When I stopped wondering why unpleasant circumstances occurred in my life, I was freed from the heavy weight I put on my own shoulders. I am a fast-paced person for the most part; slowing down is not what I am used to. Once I became more patient with myself and others, I felt all of my worries fall into place and work out with time.

3. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Being uncomfortable with changes and different experiences can be blessings for you in the long run. Be open minded to new experiences & people. Participating in school events has been one of the greatest parts of high school for me; Creek has so many amazing events such as NONFIRE, FANTASTICS, Winterfest, Groove 4 Kids, and Creekchella. I have been immensely more social, outspoken, and knowledgeable about things I enjoy doing. I have also learned how much I love collaborating with my peers and meeting new people. 

SCHS senior Yen Phuong shared her experience, “I was really scared to perform in events at first, but I made new friends and got closer to friends I already had. I’m glad I went out of my comfort zone, because I have a lot of great memories now.”

4. Practice gratitude. 

Gratitude is crucial in every aspect of life, not just in high school. Be grateful for every day that you live. Yes, some days feel like they are never-ending and will only get worse, but there is always something to be grateful for. Be grateful that you got to sleep comfortably in a bed in a safe home, change into clean clothes for school, and even go to school at all. Fulfill your life by thinking or speaking out at least five things you are grateful for each day.

5. Not everything needs to be taken so seriously. 

Enjoy your four years! They will all be memories with time. Focus on school, but take breaks to enjoy it, too. Do not spend your high school years cramming for the next test all the time. 

I personally believe it’s better to regret doing something fun and face the consequences (in non harmful situations) than to regret not living out your teenage years and look back wishing you did more for yourself and your enjoyment. Once I stopped over-scrutinizing every little thing I wanted to do, I began to smile, laugh, and enjoy high school more. Of course there will be serious situations, but remember to take the initiative to live out your life as much as you can. 

6. Take care of yourself.

Further going into taking breaks, give yourself time to reset. School can be draining as it already is, so take the time you have outside of school to rest. Put yourself first! Taking care of your mental health is crucial at all ages, but especially during your prime developing years. An action as simple as going on a walk then taking a nice shower or bath without the use of your phone or any technology is great for both your physical and mental health.

7. Don’t be so caught up in drama.  

Everyone will always have something to say, and they are oftentimes misconstrued of the real event; and this applies to life as a whole, not just high school. Getting caught up in drama and the “he said, she said” rumors are miserable. Drama should always be the least of your worries in life. And if people are talking about you, remember that what others say and do is out of your control. Only you have the power to your actions. Don’t waste your energy on the people who do not show you love. 

8. No one’s opinion about yourself matters except for your own.

Don’t work for the approval of others. Life solely for yourself. You think differently about people than others might, but that does not define a person. So do not let desiring the likings of others define who you are. Be so good with yourself that no one’s perception of you will ever phase you. Do not let others dull you because of their opinions. 

You are so special in your own way, and as time goes on and you learn more about yourself, you will see that if you haven’t already.