September, 2009 – A little back to school advice

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evan-baumelTEEN TALK

by Evan Baumel

A Little Back to High School Advice 

      No one can go far in life without asking for guidance. Advice is intended to make someone’s life better. When people give counsel, they usually offer an impartial perspective on certain issues. For instance, often a person’s competitive counterpart can offer words of wisdom. Another example is when parents attempt to advise their children on the tribulations of adulthood. Teachers and professors do what they can to best guide students in a particular field. Religious leaders are especially skilled in giving practical advice to their congregants.

      Of course, suggestions cannot be given without previous experience. When someone is asking another person for advice, it is usually because the latter had experience with the subject in question. I know personally that older brothers and sisters are some of the best venues for guidance, since they are considered more “experienced” in life. Knowledgeable people usually offer credible and accurate advice.

      High-schoolers in particular are always searching for advice. SAT or ACT prep guidebooks give advice to anxious pupils searching for a higher grade. Friends ask each other whether or not something is in style. Guys ask other guys about subjects like sports, girls, food, and other interests. Girls inquire about clothing, shopping, dating, etc. (according to Cosmopolitan magazine).

      I personally have been given a plethora of advice. For instance, I have been told that being affable and gregarious (big words meaning friendly) will earn me more friends than being self-centered. I have also learned that in some cases it is more practical to remain quiet than speak the “ugly truth.” All the advice that I have received has served one purpose: to make me a better person. The best advice ever passed on to me was, “Be open to what people have to say, but let your heart decide the paramount choice of action.”

      Thus, when I offer counsel, I do so with honesty and sincerity. Since I’m the Teen Talk columnist, I’ve decided to give general tips for students entering or returning to high school. Use them wisely:

  • On the first day of school, dress and act decently. Very often teachers (and other students) will base their attitude towards you on the way you look or what you say. If you give a bad impression, it’s difficult to restore your reputation.

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  • Join and be involved in one or more extracurricular activity. Sports, debate, art, theater, journalism, and/or community service serve to expand your interests. This does not mean you should join 10-15 clubs just to say you were a part of them.

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  • Freshmen: Don’t worry if you don’t know anybody. Find a few friends and stick with them. By sophomore year you should be fairly comfortable.

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  • When in doubt, don’t wear it. It’s best to be on the safe side.

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  • Have common sense. I have seen several students make irrational choices and I ask, “What were they thinking?” If you are doing something that you are uncomfortable with, don’t do it (unless it counts toward a grade).

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  • Learn how to write an essay. I’m surprised to find so many students who can’t write an extended response. Several classes will require one or more essays per semester, so it’s best to find out how to write an effective one.

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    Evan Baumel is a senior at Wellington High School.  He’s involved in Debate, National Honor Society, Key Club, politics and writes for the school newspaper.