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Words of Wisdom
From the Class of 2005
“My words of wisdom for the 2009 graduates of ASMS are to get involved in high school. There is something for everyone. Find something you enjoy, and be willing to try new things. I’m glad I did. Make good friends, they will be there when you need them. And finally, take care of yourself. I let myself get out of physical shape for a while. Studying, computer games, and extracurricular activities can take all your free time, so make time for your friends and yourself.”
- Jake Arkin
“High school is a completely new start. This is a completely new chance to prove yourself and embrace any passions you may have now or others you may come upon later. While it is important to set goals, it is just as important to not be too rigid; allow yourself to try new things. A certain degree of spontaneity will make your life more exciting and pleasurable. High school is a time for finding yourself and thus it is important to allow yourself the freedom of doing activities that you may have previously not seen yourself doing. Athletes, consider acting. Actors, consider athletics. It is equally important to challenge yourself. Do not be intimidated by honors or AP courses; instead, motivate yourself and accept the challenge. Perhaps learning will not seem so drab after all.”
- Dan Freeman
“I received 35 credit hours worth of transfer credit at the
- S. Francis Naylor
“Don’t worry. ASMS has prepared you for high school. I am sure you will all do well.”
- Andy Newhouse
“Get involved in a variety of activities in high school and don’t be too focused on any one thing.”
- Kassandra Schlott
“First, never settle, you can always achieve greater things. Second, be more concerned with your character rather than your reputation. And finally, someone who is afraid to risk failure seldom has the opportunity to face success.”
- Matt Sharkey
“Never settle for less than what you deserve in education. You now know what excellent teachers are, so I encourage you to find more like those you’ve had at ASMS. Never turn down a chance to learn, and make sure you don’t make decisions you will regret.”
- Topher Strayer
“Many people over these next years will give you advice – what clubs to join, who to hang out with, where to go to college, and what major will or won’t get you a decent job after graduation, just to name a few. Although their advice may seem best and/or practical, remember that these coming years are about trying out your own talents and discovering who you want to be. Use these years to get to know yourself and to discover the possibilities that lie ahead in your future. Rather than take advice, write your own advice. That’s the best way to grow.
One of the most shocking things that I have come to learn in high school through my involvement in extra-curriculars, as well as the college application process, is that no kidding, it’s a big world out there. There are so many talented and capable individuals in the world, that at times, it can be discouraging and overwhelming. If I can give you any advice going into the future it would be this: Don’t get discouraged by other people’s talents and abilities. Be confident in the gifts that God has given you and develop them over your four years of high school. It is not your job to decide whether you are good enough to play on a team, be in a play, or be accepted into a certain summer program. It is only your job to try.
The last thing that I feel compelled to tell you, because it changed my entire future, is this: always advocate for yourself. If you want something, don’t be afraid to jump up and down and say “look at me,” “this is what I can and want to do.” Like I said, it’s a big world. Nobody is going to spoon feed you opportunities. It is up to you to look for them and to go after them the best that you can. Bravery and perseverance will always, in the end, elevate you to where you want to be.”
- Olivia Weeks