"No Ragrets" - Advice from Seniors

This year's senior class is graduating in a little over a month. Before the class of 2019 leaves, though, we asked a few of them for things they wish they had known (before they aged 20 years from senioritis) and what they wish they had done differently.

On one hand, are we even qualified to give advice? Debatable. On the other hand, the seniors asked were specifically instructed to say something other than "live in the moment" and the usual clichés, so this deprecation may be somewhat immature.

Here's what they had to say:

1. "Actually live life."

"Figure out what kind of person you are, before you're left unequipped in the adult world on your own. Take a hard look at yourself. Assess yourself honestly. Figure out what you need to do to be ready for the next part of life.

[It] doesn't matter if you have an A in calc or whatever if you can't do laundry. Doesn't matter if you can write fancy essays if you can't find a way to eat. Be practical [and] don't be dumb and waste time unless you're doing something you like or if you're doing something to better yourself." - Kondin

2. "Don't freak out about the future, it'll work out somehow."

"Yes, grades are important but after high school, they mean nothing. And plan ahead (not like you have [to have] EVERYTHING figured out, but have some sort of idea so when the time comes you aren't completely clueless, whether it's about college plans or life plans or anything in general).

I know in the Asian culture, we struggle at expressing our love and we like to show it through actions. However it is your family, so express love, let them know you appreciate it because one day you'll be out and you'll miss your family A LOT. You'll miss the little things at home, so spend good quality time with family, because after you flee the nest, you're gonna have your own nest - your own family.

What I wished I could've done differently, welp, don't procrastinate (easier said than done). tbh the only reason I was able to have senioritis was that I was somewhat on top of my work, so it gave me time to be lazy when I wanted to.

Also, ask for help when you need it and help others when they need it too. Getting help isn't a bad thing. I got some help, but I wished I would've asked for help sooner or more often. I've got friends and teachers who have my back and I'm not alone in the struggles.

As for struggles, you'll struggle with school obviously, but you'll learn to accept that even though you don't get the grade you want, you can still be satisfied because you tried your best. You'll learn that you came to school to ACTUALLY learn and you didn't come just for some letter grade.

Once you're an upperclassman, you'll struggle with friendships and who it is you really want to pursue your friendship with. During senior year for me personally, I struggled with this, but I found who my true friends are. You'll struggle with making choices, and sometimes we don't make the best ones, but we learn from our mistakes. Whether it's choices about college or life choices or anything, God will guide us." - Merica

3. "Be involved in academics and athletics to the extent that you don't overstress yourself on either area."

"Moreover, have FUN in whatever you do, because [in a few years] your high school academics or athletics will neither be very meaningful nor of significant remembrance." - Seoyoung

4. "Just because you know most of your high school relationships will have to, if not, come to an end [doesn't mean it] will become much less intimate; if anything it should make the connection better."

"People can find common things they like, or hobbies, or preferences, but what really brings people closer is having similar struggles. Being a senior forces everyone to have the same struggle and that is why relationships become stronger and should be stronger.

Jump in whatever way you can. Being involved makes better memories and forces people to not push others away. Things like sports, worship team, StuCo, etc., bring great connections.

Also do not forget the ones who brought you here: your teachers. Use senior year to not only thank teachers but because Logos is such an amazing environment, allow your teachers to become good friends [with you]. I may not be able to give advice, but I know they will, and they will be some of my most emailed in the future." - Luke

5. "Learn to take time for your work and for yourself."

"Get your work done well and learn to put your best effort into all that you do because this isn't just going to affect your academics, it'll, more importantly, affect your character. At the same time, however, take time for yourself. Learn to rest well and make time for leisure and spend that time wisely.

As you get older, more will be expected of you and your responsibilities will grow immensely - both in and out of the classroom. It's important to be aware of this because you'll want to put better efforts into how you work and how you live. You're a role model in some way.

Pressure and stress are natural feelings, don't avoid it. In fact, working under pressure and stress is something you'll encounter all the time. Take a breath and keep going. just like all else in life, you need to persevere to achieve your goals.

Learn to work with people. There are going to be people that you work well with, but there are also going to be people that will challenge you. In both cases, work with an open mind and help each other out. You'll learn so much more about people and about the world when you do.

Lastly, it's not going to be easy and you're not going to be able to do it alone. Find someone or find a group of people you can trust for support and encouragement. We're all human and we all need help sometimes. Don't be afraid to acknowledge you need help and don't be afraid to reach out for it. And remember, we have a loving God." - Diamondna

6. "Definitely join more sports teams."

"It really brings you out of your comfort zone and helps you meet more people, especially underclassmen. It builds respect, as sports can build respect.

Actually try to do homework because it's free GPA. I get so lazy sometimes so I don't do it and then get a B. To reiterate, homework is free GPA. Don't waste it.

Be nice to your mom." - Gunwoo

7. "Take care of yourself."

Productivity and staying on the grind? That's hot. Overworking yourself and getting sick because of a weakened immune system? That's not hot. You're not immune to exhaustion and coffee can only get you so far and rest is an incredibly important part of doing well.

Be kind to yourself. Self-care is important. Eat fruits and stay hydrated and moisturized. Self-acceptance is important. As RuPaul says it, "if you can't love yourself, how.. you gonna love anyone else?" Self-respect is important. Love yourself enough to know that you may deserve better.

If you'd rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocrity, welcome to the club. Remember, though, that sometimes greatness comes from doing a few things with excellence, and not from doing everything with incompetency. If you need to drop a club to do better on your priorities, do it (and tell the club leaders instead of ghosting the club lol). There's no shame in knowing your limits.

I pulled all-nighters for fun because I didn't feel like sleeping (weird flex but okay). Don't do this. If you do, putting frozen spoons on your eyes reduces puffiness, lining your waterline with a peach-colored eyeliner reduces redness, and highlighter (or moisturizer, or anything that gives you the dewy look) helps you look fresher.

You need at least six hours of sleep to function properly. If you think you can get by with less, you're probably lying to yourself. - Jenny