4 years in high school, some vital lessons
Katie
Bush
SPECIAL TO THE
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Oscar Wilde once wrote, "Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes." This certainly rings true with just about every situation that I encountered while stumbling through high school. When I recall these days - now quickly coming to an end - I can only wonder at where I have come from and where the next challenge will arise.
I arrived at Salpointe Catholic High School with all the knowledge of a dictionary full of blank pages, anticipating and dreading the experiences that would define my next four years. I have endured and have filled in a few pages along the way, but I don't pretend to be wise. I have, however, been impressed with certain things along the way, and I would like to pass these along to you for what they are worth.
1. VOLUNTEER.
From my very limited experience as a volunteer homebuilder in Mexico, I learned that poverty does exist, and it exists just a few miles from our own homes. Children are forced to live in a society that doesn't allow anything more than cardboard for shelter. It was one of the most important revelations in my life to date.
This is why the first challenge that I propose to my fellow teens is to volunteer time to a cause - just one thing that you think needs to be changed. I don't profess to be a devoted community volunteer, but if we try to make an effort, who knows, we might change our own outlook on life, and maybe even a little part of our world.
2. SELF-IMAGE.
I have observed the way society has shaped the behavior of teens today. I have close friends with eating disorders, and if I'm honest with myself, I have to say that I also have this problem. Probably half of the girls at my school have serious distortions about their body image.
This must change. How can we ever expect to lead healthy individual adult lives if our adolescence is focused on conforming to an unachievable body image? For adults and teens alike, consider this a warning: If we do not change the ways by which we measure each other's worth, we won't soon be much to measure up to.
3. PERSEVERE.
We have big shoes to fill, but whether we're ready or not, the reins of power will be handed to us in the next generation. We have the responsibility to make sure we are prepared. This means that education has to remain a priority. We can't cop out. There's just too much to learn.
I know the derogatory things that are said about "teens these days," but I ask you to take a closer look. We have different pasts and changing presents, but we are your collective future.
* Katie Bush is a senior at Salpointe Catholic High School.
