I have mastered the art of attending HSMSE. Bold statement, I know, but hear me out: I have gone from despising every aspect of our school to learning how to genuinely enjoy it. As my time in high school comes to an end, I have decided that my parting gift to MSE will be the wisdom I have gained from these past four years.

Don’t take it too seriously.

At the end of the day, this is high school, not some high-stakes, life-or-death feat. Fail a test? It’s okay, just move on. Miss an assignment? Make it up and talk to your teacher. These small occurrences are not the deciding factor between you and your “dream school.” MSE is a bubble: It’s a protective system in which there is always a solution. Once you remind yourself that it’s not that serious and everything will be okay, things become lighter and more breathable.

Participation makes class go by faster.

You can spend all of class watching TikTok or staring at the clock for what feels like forever, or you can force yourself to be interested. And you might surprise yourself by becoming invested in something you previously thought was boring. After all, why even come to school if you’re not engaging in class? Plus, actively listening and asking lots of questions aids in memory, so you can be more relaxed and won’t have to teach yourself a whole unit before a test.

Throw your phone across the room when doing homework.

It is too easy to get sucked into the vortex of scrolling, especially when putting off work. Phones are a huge distraction and a waste of time. The only solution? Physical restraint. I put my phone somewhere out of reach, usually under my pillow, and then get to work at my desk. Honestly, it’s freeing to have no obligation to respond to anyone, and it makes me ten times more focused on whatever it is I need to be doing.

Overloading on APs senior year is a terrible idea.

Trust me, it’s really not worth it. I recommend taking three (maximum four) AP courses senior year. Any more than that, and you put your sanity at risk. Between college applications and keeping up with schoolwork, the first semester of 12th grade is incredibly hectic. When spring comes around, the last thing you want is the burden of tons of AP tests. Besides, many colleges don’t even take AP credits, so please, make your life easier.

Lateness is an addiction.

Do not let yourself get into the habit of being late! Five minutes late will turn into ten minutes, which will turn into 20 minutes, which will turn into 30 minutes. You will not be able to stop. 

Whatever you do, do not come to school sick.

The most miserable feeling in all of the world is sitting at a desk, desperately attempting to absorb information with a stuffed-up nose while shivering and sweating at the same time. By staying home, you can rest and recover in the comfort of your own bed. All without getting other students sick, without suffering through a day where you won’t learn much at all, and without experiencing an agony that nobody should have to go through.

Try the Cafe One grilled cheese.

Thank me later.

Independent enrichment is no fun.

Double lunch every day gets boring and takes away the excitement of a once-coveted occasion. Besides, at least for me, The Echo elective is my favorite class of the day. It is a respite from the daily STEM overload, and probably the best thing to ever happen to HSMSE. Electives that you genuinely enjoy are an antidote to the monotony of such a repetitive schedule.

Keep deodorant in your bag.

Per request.

Save work for Sunday.

This might not work for everybody, especially for you major league procrastinators, but for me the perfect weekend schedule is as follows: Friday nights and Saturdays are for going out with friends, and Sunday is for homework and other school-related responsibilities. You can spend Friday and Saturday worry-free when you know you have a whole day allocated for work, so go have fun! Even if it’s not one specific day, make sure you have set aside time in your schedule for work.