High school is only four years, and we’re all told to make the most of it. Yes, we should focus on doing well in school. Yes, we should be social and make friends. But is that all there really is to making the most of our high school experience?

Here is a list of eight things to make sure you do before you graduate.

 

1. Sing at school-wide Mass

I know, singing at school Mass is not cool. Everyone is tired, bored, and really not feeling the whole singing thing. But if you force yourself to sing, you’ll find that it helps to wake you up and relieve your boredom.

I always sing at Mass and I always try to get my friends to do so as well. And I always end up feeling super uncomfortable about being the only one in the area singing. But, truly, the songs put me in a good mood. And just imagine the energy in the gym if every single person would sing.

 

2. Take a trip with the school

The travel opportunities through JC are endless. Whether it’s the Spanish exchange program, a spring or winter break trip to a different country, or a bus trip to

New York City to see a Broadway show, you will be thankful for the opportunity.

Being part of the Theater Department, I have been able to travel and perform in Disney World. Different clubs and departments have trips all the time, but if you aren’t involved in those activities, you can easily take part in one of Guidance Counselor Larry Hensley’s ski trips.

Traveling with the school is a fantastic way to broaden your learning experience, become closer with your fellow classmates, and make new friends.

 

3. Be in a play

I knew going into JC that I wanted to be a part of the theater department. Singing and dancing appeal to me way more than anything – anything – athletic. So if you’re like me and you want to be involved in some sort of after school activity, and are scared to death of anything athletic, the theater department has plenty to offer you.

Now, for those the complete opposite of me (aka people who are good at sports), the play holds opportunity for you as well. Directors Kim Brueggemann and Larry Hensley often persuade athletes to audition for the plays and, after one play, those athletes often choose to continue their participation in the program.

The theater program offers opportunities to meet new people and have a fun, new experience. And if you still don’t want to perform on stage, you can join set or light crew and still be a part of the production.

 

4. Completely read one of your books for English Class

Sparknotes and Shmoop are right at your fingertips and I know that the urge to use them is sometimes completely irresistible, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to actually read your books for English class?

Believe it or not, teachers do not assign books as torture. Sure they want you to find some meaning in it or be able to dissect the writing style and motifs and symbolism and themes. And I’ll admit it, that can really suck. But if you read the book, you may find that you actually enjoy it. And, to your teacher’s delight, you may actually learn something from it.

 

5. Be an active member of the student section and give underrated sports some love too

As I have previously mentioned, sports are not my forte. But that shouldn’t (and doesn’t) stop me from watching our athletes excel in what I could never do.

You can go to a JC football game and sit in the bleachers and feel alright, but as soon as you join the student section, your energy rises. You feel a sense of community and Patriot pride.

With the excitement of the game (whether it be at a football or basketball game), the music played by the band, and the energy you feel, being part of the student section is a high school must.

While the student section is great, it’s also great to watch some underrated sports. The varsity women’s tennis team won their championship this fall. Don’t they deserve an audience for their games, as well?

Tennis, badminton, wrestling matches, and swim meets may not seem as exciting as football and basketball games, but once you go to a game you’ll find yourself cheering and rooting for your fellow Patriots just as much as you would at the more popular sporting events.

 

6. Take an AP class or test

AP classes are not easy, but they are beneficial. If there’s a certain subject that interests you, why not take the AP class? You’ll be able to get more knowledge in your interest. It also (supposedly) prepares you for the colleges classes that lie ahead after graduation. And let’s not forget the prospect of getting possible college credits for taking the AP test.

Even if you don’t want to take the AP class, you can still take the test. If you feel that you have a good understanding of the subject from your Honors or College Prep class, why not take the AP test and get some college credit?

 

7. Submit your writing

The Patriot  newspaper provides a source of publication as well. Maybe it’s a bit biased for a member of The Patriot to be saying that everyone should submit writing to the newspaper, but it’s a great experience nonetheless.

Anyone, on the staff or not, can submit writing to the paper. Maybe you feel strongly about a current event or school policy: write an opinion article. Maybe you have strong feelings toward an album, book, or movie: write a review. Maybe you have a great picture from a sporting event: submit it to us.

If that doesn’t appeal to you, try some creative writing. Everyone writes for their English classes, whether they love it or hate it. Sometimes we even end up writing something that we’re proud of. So why not publish it?

The Pinnacle is the perfect place for your creative work. Even if writing isn’t your talent, you can submit artwork, music, or pictures. Maybe you just got back from a family vacation at the beach and took a picture of the ocean. That picture is worth submitting.

 

8. Participate in a club or sport you never thought you’d end up doing

By this point in the article, I’m sure you have a general understanding of how awful I am at sports. But every year something in me tells me that I should try out for the badminton team.

Now, here I am, a second-semester senior, still have never been on the badminton team. And I just know that if I don’t do it this spring, I’ll never forgive myself.

Badminton is completely out of my comfort zone, but something (perhaps Online Chief and badminton player Kathy Deaver) keeps telling me to try it out. So why not?

News Editor Mitch Hopkins writes his column “Let’s go clubbin’” all about experiencing different clubs. His most recent was about his experience in Clay Club.

Trying out a new activity is perfect for discovering new talent (as I’m hoping with my upcoming badminton adventures) or meeting new people.

Lauren Glase is the Media Chief for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.