Y2 Reflection: Advice for Any BHSEC Student Based on My Experience
Sierra Block Gorman, ‘16
May 2016
Don’t be afraid to go the path less travelled. Most people will tell you that you have to take calculus or that you need a math and a science in your last semester senior year. Technically, this isn’t true. However, these things are usually done a certain way for a reason. Generally, it’s the best way, but not for everyone. I knew that I would need to take calculus in college, and I knew that it would be more useful if I took it in college so it would be fresh in my mind during other, related classes. I knew that I was more interested in taking computer science a year early so I could do a computer science independent study in Y2. I knew that colleges would know I was interested in computer science and I thought they would be more impressed by independent explorations into the subject than calculus, even though everyone else was taking it. It was a carefully considered decision, and it was right for me. Don’t be afraid to break from the mold and do what is right for you.
Get to know your yearmates. In ninth grade, things may seem super clique-y, but that doesn't last forever. By the time Y2 rolls around, everyone becomes a lot closer as a class, and you’re going to wish you had talked to those people outside of your normal social sphere more. When you are about to leave BHSEC, you realize that while you may never see many of these people ever again, you spent four formative years of your life with them, you went on a senior trip with them, and you’ll all be graduating together. That’s something really special. BHSEC is a wonderful community full of interesting people. So learn everyone’s names early.
Get to know your teachers. One of the nice things about BHSEC is that we have teachers who really care about their subject (though it might not necessarily be the subject they teach) and they have so much interesting stuff to say. Though it may seem strange, teachers do have some interest invested in us and our lives. They totally gossip about us as much as we do them, if not more. A lot of the time, they want to hear about and help you with your latest project or your aspirations for the future. I know that there are many teachers at BHSEC who have had a formative impact on me and my future. Professor Noyes helped me discover a love for computer science that I will be pursuing in college. Mr. Casey gave me my third Rule of Life, “Make it suck less,” which can apply to almost any aspect of existence. I can always chat about books with Dr. Clark, Dr. Holbrook, or Professor Walk. I’ll never forget going to Japan with Mr. Mikesh, Dr. Chaterpaul, and Dr. Lerner. All my teachers have been great and have given me great memories.
Approach everything with as much enthusiasm as you can muster. It may seem easier to float through high school with a cultivated air of apathy and mild disgust, to never take the risk of looking silly for caring about something too much, but I highly recommend not doing that ever. Education is so much more effective and interesting if you genuinely care about what you are learning. Phys Ed is way more fun if you try your best. I understand that not everyone can get excited about everything, but even just finding one or two things that you can get really passionate about will vastly improve your time at BHSEC. Despite our notorious lack of school spirit, enthusiasm is infectious. If you’re really into something, other people will get excited about it too, and even if they don’t, at least you’re having a good time.
Break a leg. Or something like that, as long as you get an elevator pass. My elevator pass has been my most valuable possession since I got it in 9th grade and never gave it back. I cannot stress enough how much my life improved once I no longer had to take the stairs. I’ve made many friends and acquaintances, I’ve gotten to class on time after gym, plus I’ve gained five pounds. If I were to leave you with one piece of advice, it is this: invest in an elevator pass.
I wish you all the best of luck at BHSEC. These past four years have been valuable in so many ways and I can honestly say I have almost no regrets. I hope you all enjoy your time here as much as I did. I’d like to thank my teachers, my advisors, my friends, and everyone who ever complimented one of my outfits— you know who you are.