“Don’t measure yourself against others. Academics, extracurriculars and college applications have become a horse race, and it’s important to keep your real ambitions and passions in mind when deciding how you spend your time at ’Stoga. Don’t take a class or EC just because everyone else is; spend your precious hours on things that actually matter to you. Above all, take care of yourself.”
— Aren Framil,
Co-Editor-in-Chief
“Four years go by a lot faster than you think. I know better than anyone that there are parts of high school, like pulling countless all-nighters, that nobody really enjoys, but try to take it all in. If you don’t appreciate what you have now, whatever comes next will never be enough. As for what will come next for you, if you put in the work, it’ll all work out. Just hang in there.”
— Howard Kim,
Co-Editor-in-Chief
“Take chances (within reason, of course)! You might be surprised with what the outcome is and be better off because of it. I know that my high school experience would have been completely different if I hadn’t taken those chances, meaning that I wouldn’t have the friends and lessons that I gained as a result. High school is short, so make the most of it!”
— Raima Saha,
Co-Managing Editor
“High school goes by really fast, so make these years count. Step outside your comfort zone, connect with new people and be open to different perspectives. Most importantly, prioritize what truly makes you happy.”
— Zara Samdani,
Co-Managing Editor
“While being on the academic grind is important, our current social and political climate is not easy to live in. Make sure you’re taking the time to center yourself and what’s important to you, focus on your personal goals and improve yourself as a person. Achievements don’t mean anything without character to back them up!”
— Mareska Chettiar,
Co-T/E Life Editor
“Do the things that scare you because they challenge you in a way you haven’t experienced before. Do the things that you aren’t good at because now is the time to explore and fail, and do them all with a smile on your face.”
— Juliana Yao,
Co-Opinion Editor
“A lot of people are going to tell you that you should spend your four years in high school pursuing what you love, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Try what you hate, embrace what is uncomfortable, and discover what is mysterious. Only by being open to truly everything will you find the places and things you truly belong to.”
— Rohan Anne,
Webmaster
“Live in the moment. Appreciate what you have right now, without dwelling in the past or worrying too much about the future. Truly embrace these four years because they’ll be over before you know it.”
— Sowmya Krishna,
Appmaster
“As you navigate high school, remember that success often results from skills that require zero talent, such as being on time, having a strong work ethic and maintaining a positive attitude. Focus on cultivating passion, being coachable and consistently going the extra mile; these habits will set you apart.”
— Bailey Kreszswick,
Co-Multimedia Editor
“Take in every moment, and get excited for the future! It’s so easy to take advantage of the opportunities we’re given, so make sure to do it. Also, nothing is that deep. Have fun, work hard, and the rest will come!”
— Madeline Pulliam,
Co-Staff Development Director
“Believe in yourself!”
— Hannah Simon,
Co-Staff Development Director
“Explore your interests, try new things, and make memories — time flies by!”
— Shrija Krishnan,
Business Manager
“There are many things I wish I knew earlier in high school but just as many lessons I’d never take back. Embrace the awkward conversations and bold project ideas. Raise your hand even when you’re unsure, and give everything at least one try. Welcome the failures — there’s no better place to stumble than high school.”
— Milan Agarwala,
Staff Reporter
“Be proactive. You don’t have to get everything perfect the first time. Ask lots of questions.”
— Gabe Eisenberg,
Staff Reporter
The Spoke can be reached at [email protected].
