There’s an important part of your life which heavily influences the woman you are destined to become– high school. Although it only lasts four years, you are capable of walking across that graduation stage different from the person you were on your first day.

Maybe, in high school, you had your first kiss, survived treacherous finals, experienced unforgettable dances, made everlasting friendships, got your driver’s license, found your niche in extracurriculars, earned exclusive access into an honors society, etc. These experiences along with countless others come together to form what we know to be as the high school experience.

High school has been considered the most valued and publicized experience for Americans. The media is known for highlighting it. For instance, Mean Girls captures the negative dynamics of high school. Disney Channel hits, such as Lizzie McGuire, Life With Derek, and That’s So Raven, are mainly told from the high school perspective. The iconic trilogy, High School Musical, is solely based off of high school.

The falsified high school experience in media is timeless. John Hughes, known for directing a few teen-oriented films in the 1980’s, greatly contributes to the discussion of high school perceptions even today.

What is publicized about high school, however, can greatly differ from reality. The really long passing periods, unrealistic love ideals, misleading popularity expectations, the narrowness of cliques, and the overemphasis on looks are to blame for teen’s false impressions.

There is not one particular high school experience. Similar to life, everyone comes out of it with a different story to tell. It is essential for these stories not to be affected by predetermined norms. You may experience high school the way it is portrayed on your TV screen, or you may not. What matters is that you come out of it closer to becoming the adult you.

Instead of putting the spotlight on what’s not real, realistic concepts must be exposed by the media to adequately prepare future high schoolers.

Regina Dominican High School, an all-girl institution where young women thrive, produces students who defy Hollywood’s depiction of high school.

Sarah Allworth ’16 luckily found a job that compliments the sport she loves, swimming. Allworth works with children as young as four months old and as old as thirteen years old. She facilities swimming lessons either independently or with the assistance of other instructors.

In her own words, “This experience has made me become more patient, because I am better able to understand this intimidating process that little kids go through.”

Allworth has moved toward her future college pursuits in special education through this job choice.

“I wanted to take the first step in the initiative to start getting comfortable with kids because I know that’s what I’m going to be doing with my life,” Allworth said.

According to Australian athlete, Andrew Murphy, “You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.” One must not be afraid to go outside of their comfort zone. High school is not just limited to the opportunities within its parameters.

“I volunteer at the North Shore affiliated Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview,” Gianna Mae Tan ’16 shared.

She assists at the hospital’s front desk directing visitors. It has given her valuable social skills, equipping her to work with people. Tan now hones her strong voice and ‘authentic self-confidence’.

She added, “I love the feel of the hospital, and it inspires me to go and help people one day.”

Service hours are one popular aspect of high school rarely featured on television. Service greatly impacts the lives of teenagers. It instills important values, influences minds, and molds futures. The negative connotation it carries deters high schoolers from truly pursuing it.

Tan initially volunteered for service hours in order to become eligible for next year’s National Honors Society. She, nevertheless, has grown to genuinely value her time well spent in the hospital setting.

Society undermines the power of teenagers. High school is the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders.  Allworth and Tan are undeniably making the most out of their four years.

In response to society’s ideals for high school students, Tan said, “Just because society or anybody makes you feel like you cannot do something does not mean you should not try. You can do anything if you really put your mind to it. No one should tell you otherwise.”

Whether it is a hobby, community work, or an important position, your only concern should be to take as much as you can from high school.

Hannah Jensen ’18 found her place in the most male-dominated sport, hockey. Jensen is currently on two separate hockey teams, high school and club. Her hard work has earned her the title of captain for four years on the club team. For the high school league, Jensen was one of five freshmen selected to make the all-state team. Her tenacious spirit grows each hockey season.

As a little girl, Jensen’s initial biggest challenge was adapting to hockey’s low representation of females. “I had to prove that I was able to play as well as the boys did,” Jensen recalled.

This did not discourage Jensen. She grew on the ice as she pushed her own limits by joining numerous hockey camps and trying out for stronger teams.

Her great efforts unquestionably have contributed to dismissing preconceived notions regarding her gender and ability to play hockey.

One day, we’ll see Jensen pursuing coaching, training, and sports management. Jensen said, “I look forward to playing hockey in college. One of my biggest dreams is to play on the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey team.”

Emily Monick ’16, is contributing to the beautiful world of art. She currently works at an art studio as an art teacher. The kids that she teaches are as young as five and as old as fourteen.

This summer, due to all of her amazing efforts, she was recommended for a position at a Montessori School. Monick will be expected to design her own art curriculum for two to three year olds.

“When I was little I would always draw, but I would only draw with a Magna Doodle and then erase it,” she shared.

Monick truly lives and breathes art, and deeply appreciates this experience. She has learned the importance of patience when dealing with children. All of her students work differently and the atmosphere is always hyper.

“One little boy in particular is super active,” Monick shared, “When I work with him, I have to break everything down and dot things out for him while working in small portions. He benefits the most this way and is able to focus better. It’s all about figuring out what’s the best way to help a kid learn and understand art while having fun.”

Monick, along with one other instructor, is responsible for about ten kids, depending on the day. She works a total of four hours a week in two hour shifts.

“I really enjoy art. It’s something that I know brings myself happiness. I’m not just doing this for myself, I’m helping someone else find an interest in art too,” Monick related.

Three years ago, Monick would not have imagined that she would be teaching art. Now, she loves the experience. She says, “If I can get another kid to love it as much as I do, that would be awesome. It’s great to see art create such happiness.”

She has witnessed her students grow to paint abstracts and real people.

“People are incredibly hard to paint and these little kids are coming up to you with what they want to do. It’s awesome to see little kids love what they’re doing,” Monick said.

Monick has gone from being the one who looks for answers to the one who children look for answers to. She simply put it, “I’m now an authority figure.”

Monick’s love for art is quite contagious. Who knows, she could be molding our future artists.

After teaching, Monick is sure that she will be majoring in art. Look out for her name attached to a gallery or art show!

She reminds those used to their comfort zones, “You know you’ll be growing regardless of how it goes. Just try something out while not letting your own insecurities hold you back.”

The stories of Allworth, Tan, Jensen, and Monick bring such substance to the high school experience. It isn’t always about who belongs to what clique, romantic flings, rebellious teen portrayals, etc.

High School is the most crucial point in one’s life. You are beginning to develop mentally, physically, and emotionally. Let those four years be a time in which you learn to cherish your authentic self.

As for Hollywood, you can continue setting unrealistic expectations for high school. That won’t stop us from defying them.