Everybody was a freshman once. At one point, every person walked through the halls of MHS for the first time, cooked in Mrs. McCleary’s kitchen for the first time, and was given a birthday card by Mr. Courson for the first time. It is so important to remember that you are not alone, and that any questions you have about high school, somebody has had the same question before, and so many people could help you answer it.
But sometimes, you don’t know what questions to ask. When asked what advice the senior class of 2025 would give to the freshman, they did not disappoint.
Senior Calvin Knittle said, “Get involved in more clubs than you think you want to. Even if it’s not something you’re super interested in, it can still be fun and you can still meet people. I was always nervous about joining clubs, cause I was scared of everybody. So, I only did like two clubs freshman year and I wish I would have done so many more.” Specifically, senior Brody Billedo said, “Joining LifeSavers is a great way to meet new people and have fun.”
Senior Sylvia Miller added, “Join Cross Country, and any other clubs, and get involved.”
“Don’t be afraid to go out and try something that you could enjoy doing for the rest of your high school career. It’s fun!” said senior Allison Weber.
A very common word of advice is to (as Mr. Sheehan says) “Get involved!” His words have stuck with every class, and that motto lives in Monticello High School on a day to day basis. Not only does getting involved help you make friends and memories, it is also the start to helping you build strong college applications in the future. Staying committed and dedicated to clubs, sports teams, thespians, band, and whatever else you commit to will pay off in the future when applying for National Honors Society, and college.
Seniors also imparted the wisdom they’ve worked four years to gather. Senior Tatum Wichus emphatically recommended, “Respect Senora Walk. Being mean isn’t cool. Make friends and talk to people you don’t know.”
Friendship is such a key part to your high school years. Do not stay within your circle of friends that you have had all of your life. Take this opportunity to grow and learn about other people. These four years are yours, listen to these seniors, and build those relationships. Senior Tyler Olsen encouraged this specifically, saying, “Talk to people you haven’t necessarily talked to before, and meet new people.”
Senior Colton Vance added, “Ask questions, don’t be afraid to talk to people, and make new friends.”
High school is pretty scary, and transitioning from middle school to high school is a big step. TV shows and movies have set up many expectations for what high school should look like, but it does not go that way. A lot of it doesn’t come straight out of Mean Girls or Euphoria.
This is a time for you to make mistakes and grow. As long as you’re genuine, everything will turn out fine. You’ll be ok.
Maya Cremeens, Staff Writer
crema25@sages.us
The Sage Informer 
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