Georgia Kaufman
Opinion Editor
As a graduating senior, I have but one piece of advice for the youngins attending LGHS whomst I am so sadly leaving behind: live yo life.
Over the course of my high school career, I have come to learn a few things. Whether those realizations are about myself, my friends, or the classes I’ve taken, there have been many realizations that have led me to become the person I am today. Now, I am not here to entertain you with stories of my time here at LG, nor am I here to tell you about how exactly you should “live yo life.” I am simply here to advocate for you, my wonderful, talented, and thoughtful reader; or rather, to advocate for your freedom to do what you please as a teenager.
Although we know that safety is a top priority in Los Gatos (as it should be), I am a firm believer in the idea of “doing it for the plot.” Want to go out on a Tuesday evening? Do it, but only for the plot. Want to compliment someone you hardly know passing in the hallway? Is that even a question? Do it for the plot! Thinking of telling your crush you have feelings? I’ve said it three times so far, and I will continue to say it again and again. Do it. For the plot. You are incapable of learning valuable life lessons without getting comfortable with making uncomfortable decisions. Knowing exactly to what extent things can pan out is so much more satisfying than regrets and hypotheticals.
Entering high school, I was extremely uncomfortable with the thought of being put in a situation susceptible to being embarrassed. Whether that meant cheering a little bit too loud at football games, saying the wrong answer in front of the class, or God forbid losing tug-of-war, I was always too afraid to put myself in a vulnerable position in order to grow, not only as a student, but as a person. Embarrassment is a concept. It is not a tangible thing. People have differing opinions. If you spend too much time worrying about what other people think, you won’t have any time to cultivate your own opinions. It’s just a fact.
If I could go back in time and speak to my freshman year self, I wouldn’t advise her of the things she should or shouldn’t do. I wouldn’t tell her to drop any classes, or to go to Coro dateless junior year, or even to start talking to Syracuse sooner for recruitment (go Orange), because all of those things have led me to exactly where I am today. There can be no such thing as regret if you just take time to look at the bigger picture. Know that things are far greater than a bad date to Coro or a class you wish you didn’t take in your future.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, stop worrying about small things that seem large at the moment. If you don’t like the way things are panning out, change it. You have complete, utter control over the actions you do. Don’t make high school something you look back at and are dissatisfied with the things or people you didn’t pursue. Enjoy yo life.