Warrior Word

by Macaulay Beehler

High school can feel like a turning point where everything suddenly matters; grades, friendships, extracurriculars, and the looming question of what comes next. For many students, it’s a time filled with pressure, uncertainty, and constant comparison. But it’s also a time of growth, discovery, and opportunity. In this article, we’ll explore honest advice for navigating high school successfully, along with a perspective on what comes after graduation. These insights come from Emerson Beehler, a former full IB student and current University of Washington freshman, offering a real-world look at what truly matters, what doesn’t, and what he wishes he had known along the way.

Q: “What’s your biggest takeaway from high school?”

“My biggest takeaway from high school was learning how I learn best and becoming familiar with my capabilities and limits. High school is a great time to try different studying techniques to find what works best for you. Are you a visual learner, an auditory learner, etc.? Do you learn best independently or with a group? It was nice to begin college and know some good strategies that work for me, so I could fully focus on the actual content. 

High school also helped me learn my limits. For example, through my classes and IB exams, I learned how much I need to study to be prepared for an exam. I definitely studied more than necessary in high school, so now I know how much is “good enough” and no longer spend excessive time studying without any real benefit. Everyone has different learning tendencies, so high school is the best time to become familiar with yourself as a learner.”

Q: “How does life in college compare to high school?”

“There’s definitely a lot that’s different. I tend to only spend about 2-3 hours in class each day, and a lot of learning is done independently outside of the classroom. I also have a lot more freedom and control over my daily schedule. You can choose how to fill your time outside of class, whether joining a club, exercising, working on a personal project/hobby, and more. In addition, (depending on the major), there’s more freedom to choose your schedule so it aligns with your personal schedule. I’m a morning person, so I try to schedule my classes in the mornings so I can have the afternoon free, but I know a lot of people who prefer sleeping in and having classes in the afternoon. 

Beyond the academic space, there’s also definitely more space to have fun. It’s common to go out on weeknights and do fun things on the weekend, like skiing. I’m usually able to avoid doing any homework over the weekend, which is always a nice reset for my brain.”

Q: “Did you find the work ethic that you developed in high school beneficial in college?” 

“Definitely. In college, each individual student has a lot more responsibility and autonomy, so it’s completely up to them how successful they are. For example, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to go to a lecture or do homework, and how much to study before an exam. High school helped me develop a strong sense of discipline and self motivation, so I find that I can study hard and stay consistent. 

Additionally, high school helped me learn how to manage my time and juggle multiple commitments, which is a very valuable skill that I use every day to stay on top of assignments, extracurriculars, recreation, while still getting enough sleep.”

Q: “Do you think all the hard work that you put in during high school was worth it?”

“I think so. Part of that might be coping because I definitely put in a lot of hard work, but I feel well prepared for the academic challenges I face here, and I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons as a result of that hard work. Furthermore, there’s so much in life that is out of my control, so I try to approach life by always working hard to reach my goals and believing that they are possible. I never know what could happen, or how my goals might change in the future, so I try to just focus on the things that are in my control, such as how much effort I put into something I want.”

Q: “Do you have any words of advice for juniors, and if you could go back to high school, what is something you would do differently?”

“I would say have fun, and do the things you actually want to do, not the things you think would look good on a college application. If you are only accepted to a school because of an extracurricular that you don’t even enjoy, then maybe that school isn’t right for you. Also, in most cases, the specific college you go to is not going to be the deciding factor in the rest of your life, so just enjoy the time you have now and don’t worry too much about things you can’t control. Obviously, try hard in your classes, but don’t forget that there’s more to life than your GPA.

If I could go back to high school, I would try to do just that: have more fun, be in the moment, and enjoy high school while I’m there.”

Q: “What is one piece of advice that you were given that was beneficial to you?” 

“One piece of advice I want to pass on is to never neglect sleep and physical health. Especially in college, it’s pretty easy to “make” more time in your day by cutting out some sleep, but you only end up with a fuzzy brain. Regularly getting good sleep, exercising, and eating (mostly) healthy is incredibly beneficial for your energy levels, focus, and ability to absorb information.”

Q: “Do you have any final words of encouragement for high schoolers who are experiencing a hard time?”

“Just remember that hardship is temporary, and it’s only going to make you stronger. Good times are on the way, just don’t give up. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it: people are good and 99% of the time willing to lend you a hand.”

(End of Interview)

Ultimately, high school is often painted as a defining chapter of life, but it’s really just the beginning. It’s a time to learn; not only academic content, but also how to manage your time, understand yourself, and grow through both success and failure. While it’s easy to get caught up in pressure and expectations, the most important takeaway is to stay balanced. It’s always important to work hard, but make time to enjoy the present. Whether you’re preparing for college or still figuring out your path, remember that your future isn’t determined by a single test, grade, or decision. Take things one step at a time, trust your effort, and don’t lose sight of what makes you happy along the way.