Advice for your Final Year

Grade 12 was definitely one of the best years of my life! Some of you may have been with the same peers for 12 years like I had, or maybe just for a few. Regardless, this is the last year you will be spending 9am-3pm with the same group of people, so here is some advice to best enjoy it!

1. HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEONE NEW EACH DAY

One of the hardest parts about University is that you won’t see a lot of your classmates from high school again! If I could go back, I would try my best to meet someone new every day. Whether you ask an acquaintance how their week has been or you strike up a conversation with the new student in homeroom – it never hurts to make a new friend! Every student in high school has different interests and passions, and it can be SO beneficial to learn about them. You never know – you might have more in common than you think!

2. BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR TEACHERS

Everyone has their favourite teachers in high school. You might have a good relationship now, but it is very beneficial to keep in touch with them in the future. Sending them a thank you message once you’re settled into university can make all the difference to them!

3. LIVE UP THE PROM HYPE!!

Prom… debatably the most talked about event of grade 12. You may hear that it is overrated, but the truth is, it is what you make of it! This is one of the last big events you will have with everyone from your graduating class – it really can be as exciting as it sounds!

4. SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT

Unfortunately, it is your last year as a Spartan, Eagle, Viking, or whatever your mascot is, so make the most of it! Soak in every inch of school pride you can, as it really can enhance your experience and positive memories of high school. Each Friday Night Lights football game, Cancer Week fundraiser, and Christmas Skit really is worth attending to get the full high school experience!

5. DO YOUR POST-SECONDARY RESEARCH

You will be making one of the biggest decisions of your life soon – where to go for university! It is easy to make assumptions about each school based on their reputation, but it is so important to do your research! Make a list of questions about topics that are most important to you when it comes to what you want in your university experience. Then, talk to current students about them! If possible, try and visit the schools you are highly considering. Walking through Queen’s for the first time really made me feel like I was at my future home; I encourage you to do the same!

6. TALK TO YOUNGER STUDENTS

We all had those upper year mentors in high school, whether they knew it or not. If they didn’t know it, how amazing would it have been to have them help guide you through these big decisions you are making over the next few years? Make sure to make yourself available and open to talking to younger students about senior level courses and university. You have learned so much over the past few years and they could really benefit from your help! And, it makes you feel good too!

7. HAVE FUN!!

Don’t sweat the small stuff, this is one of the best years of your life! Enjoy every minute of it because before you know it, you will be wishing you could go back!