After attending Regina for more than three and half years, now, I have learned the ropes of the place. Seniors are considered the “wisest” when it comes to Regina and the real scoop about everything Regina, from teachers to classes to stuff outside of school, like where to sit at the Notre Dame football games or where it’s acceptable to wear your uniform outside of school.

So, listen up, underclassmen:

ADVICE TO FRESHMEN 

How does one respond to peer pressure?
As your high school career continues, there are going to be a lot of people who try to convince you to do things you aren’t ready to do. They will try to tell you everyone else is doing it, so you should obviously do it, too.

However, the truth is, not everyone is doing it. And if you are not ready or don’t feel comfortable trying something that you think may have a negative effect on you, or you don’t feel comfortable in doing, don’t feel obligated to do it.

As cliche as it is, the excuses work. “I have to be up early tomorrow” or “My mom is picking me up” are easy ways to avoid many uncomfortable situations.

People won’t question you about this and you will feel better about yourself. So, don’t freak out when peer pressure becomes a reality in your life. Only you can decide when you’re ready to make these decisions, no one else.

Do I have to wear jeans on Jeans for Greens days?
No! Wear whatever makes you comfortable (and also what is accepted in the Regina Handbook).

ADVICE TO SOPHOMORES

How hard is the driving test?
This is probably, in my opinion, one of the easiest tests you will ever take. Any driver’s education class you attend will prep you perfectly for the test. The hardest thing about the driving test is that dreaded parallel parking and they don’t even ask you to do it on the test.

From personal experience, don’t wait until last minute to fill out your hours form because I procrastinated. It took me two hours and several hand cramps to get through it.

Also, make sure when you go to your DMV, you are prepared to sit there for a long time. You could (and you probably will) be there for hours until you finally get to take the test. But do not let this test stress you out. With your permit and all the required hours you practiced, I am pretty positive that you will get your license.

How will my grades this year effect my college admission?
All grades you get throughout high school will be sent to colleges in the future. For that reason, all your grades for every year you are in high school is  important. Every single grade you get at Regina goes towards your GPA. Junior year is not the only year that matters. Every single grade you get counts. Sorry if you didn’t want to hear that.

ADVICE TO JUNIORS

What do I do to prepare for the ACT?
Everything and anything. You have to buy the books, you have to take the prep classes. The test is difficult, it’s supposed to be. Thankfully, you are able to take the test 12 times, but no one wants to spend the money for that. The night before the test make sure you get a good night’s sleep and onthe day of eat breakfast because the test is long and you don’t want to get hungry. If you’re freaking out about the test, try to relax. If you’re relaxed, you’ll most likely do better.

ADVICE FOR All CLASS LEVELS

• Join extracurriculars! (anything with a leadership position is an awesome thing to do and something colleges love to see!)
•  Remember to keep balance in your life. Although you should focus on school, don’t forget to relax: go out with friends, watch TV, or hang out with your dog.
• Don’t take school too seriously all the time or you’ll die of frustration.
•  “Cool” people do not exist.
• Read the book, but also read the Sparknotes
• Go online or ask Mrs. Stenson what your calculator actually is capable of doing because you will be shocked.
• Don’t be afraid to fail.
• Listen to your teachers.
• Don’t forget to sleep.
• You should have too much fun sometimes.
• Remember that learning is not something we are being forced to do, but something we have the privilege to do. You will be surprised how much more bearable school is with this perspective.