Juniors, Have Your Best Year Yet
To the amazing, intelligent, talented, and passionate juniors in high school who have stumbled upon this blog post,
Congratulations! You’ve made it through your first couple of years of high school, and now you get to start the process of looking ahead. Junior year can feel kind of in-between–you have built confidence through your first and second year, but you don’t quite have the impending sense of finality that senior year brings. When you pile on increased academic challenge, we know it can feel overwhelming. As you tackle the year ahead, we want you to keep in mind the JUMBO words of wisdom for JUNIORS:
J–Just breathe. We know, we know–easier said than done! Know that you do NOT need to have it all figured out right now. Junior year is all about learning what brings you joy and fulfillment. So take a deep breath and enjoy it!
U–Use your resources. There may be times this year when things get hard! Learning how to ask for help is an important skill you’ll certainly use in college, and it is smart to start honing it now.
M–Make time for your friends, family, and community. As the school year ramps up, it can be tempting to put blinders on and keep your head in your books. But high school, college, and life after college is about much more than quizzes and essays. We aren’t just looking for students for our classrooms, we’re looking for people for our community. Spend time with the people you love, and think about what type of community you will want to call home after graduation.
B–Be yourself. You hear that all the time, we bet! But it’s true–in the admissions process, we are trying to admit YOU; not who you think we want to admit. Authenticity and following your own path is what really shines in an application. So find the things that bring meaning to you, and go after them!
O–Open your mind. Maybe this year will bring a new club, or a new academic interest. Don’t let the fear of “but it’s too late!” keep you from trying something new. Sometimes, the experiences that spark our passions are hiding in plain sight. Give yourself a chance to discover something new!
We hope this is helpful, and please reach out to us if you ever need a pep talk or another tip or word of encouragement.
You got this.