This is it.

The last article I will ever write for The New Dealer.

After this, I’ll be long gone.

Just someone from the past…whose heading towards their future, because I’m (insert curse word that I can’t write, but desperately want to) graduating!!! LET’S GOOOOOOO!!!! ??

That’s right folks, (my pretend audience, the voices, etc.), soon, (I can’t be bothered to do the math to figure out how many days I have left, just know that it’s soon), I’ll be free!

And so, with much sorrow, (not really, but I’m sure when the day approaches, it’ll start to hit me like a truck), I’ve decided, as a parting gift, to give some tips and advice as to how I made my life slightly easier throughout the course of high school…

CHECK YOUR EMAIL(S)!

This is such a simple yet important habit to have. You would think it’s common sense to do so, but I’ve been surprised many times by friends who’ve told me they rarely check their school emails. CHECK THEM!!! It’s not just for the sake of your education, but also for the sake of your career (whether that be sooner or later). It’s a bit sad to say, but I’ll even check my school email during the weekends just to make sure I don’t miss anything important. With that being said, make it a habit, people! Speaking of emails…

KNOW HOW TO WRITE A PROPER EMAIL!

This should also be common sense and again, it’s not just for when you’re in school, it’s also for when you enter the workforce. A simple google search on how to write a proper email goes a long way! Or, if you want more personal and direct advice, ask a friend to proofread an important email that you’re nervous about sending out and see if they have any suggestions for you. The way an email is written to your teachers may vary depending on what you’re emailing them about, but in general, just make sure to be polite and straightforward, especially if the subject is something that has to do with your grades! Speaking of grades…

IT’S NOT THAT DEEP.

Of course, I’m not saying to just not care about your grades AT ALL. I’m just saying it’s not the end of the world if you get one “bad” grade on something. I’m saying this especially for overachievers or those who just crave academic validation (it’s okay, me too). It saddens me to see and hear my friends explain how nervous they are of failing a test they took, as if that one grade defines them for the rest of their life. In 6th grade, I got a 13% on my math test (definitely the worst grade I’ve ever gotten in all my years of test taking…)  and look where I am now, still ended up going to high school, still ended up graduating on time, and still going to college. Of course, I’m lucky enough to not have overbearing parents who hassle me about grades, so I understand if it’s harder for you to be more relaxed when it comes to your grades. The pressure can be tough to handle, I know, even sometimes I can’t help but feel hopeless about a project or an exam. But I promise you those numbers don’t define you as a person, as cliché as that sounds, you’re so much more than that. ALSO! As someone whose taken several AP exams and have heard younger students confess about how they’re worried about getting a 1 or a 2, trust me, colleges do not, I repeat, do not, see or know your scores unless you willing send it to them. I don’t know what to say to transition into the next bit of advice so let’s just pretend that I did…

DON’T PROCRASTINATE (FOR IMPORTANT STUFF)!!!

I’m a big, fat liar if I said I don’t procrastinate. I do it all the time, I’m doing it right now writing this article, ignoring the other work I have to do. The truth is, I know I’ll get it done eventually, so there’s no harm in delaying it, right? Yes and no. It really depends on the work you have to do and the amount of effort it needs. If you know it won’t take you long to finish, then it’s okay to relax for a bit, your life doesn’t, and shouldn’t, revolve on homework. However, if you know that you’re the kind of person to half bake all the work you do at the last minute, then it’s probably better if you get started on it sooner rather than later. It’s really up to you though. Know when you can and cannot procrastinate. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to things related to college though (applications, submitting the documents you need once you’re admitted, etc.), make sure to pace yourself and do the things you have to do in time. If you’re confused about something, go to the college office to…

ASK FOR HELP!!!

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT be afraid to ask for help. Seriously, social anxiety aside, I promise future you will be grateful. I don’t care who you’re asking for help from, whether it be a teacher, a guidance counselor, a friend, a senior that decided to adopt you, it literally doesn’t matter as long as you get the answer and help you need. Don’t make things harder for yourself just because you’re afraid of being a “nuisance” or a “bother”. NO. Your teachers are there to teach you, that is their job, if you’re confused about something, say something. I don’t care if you’re the only one who seems to be confused, trust me, there’s probably other people just as confused as you are but don’t have the guts to say anything. Be the person who does. If your teacher is no help, ask another trusted adult or ask a friend. You are not a bother or an inconvenience, I promise, you should never feel guilty for asking for help.

And with that, I bid you all adieu. It’s been fun, but it’s time for me to go. I wish you all the best of luck in your journey, not just during high school, but for the rest of your life as well.

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