“All the chances you get, take them,’’ one of my former middle school teachers told me when I saw him recently.
He used to tell stories and give advice because he was wiser than all of us students, but honestly middle school “me” just liked him to talk about them so it would take up class time and we wouldn’t do work. Now that I’m in high school, I realize that some opportunities come amazingly easy to us — even though we don’t realize it at times. An example of this is all the clubs and programs that are open to us at school, but most of us would rather not participate in anything. If I’m being honest, I used to be one of those people.
One program I will never regret joining is OLP, Orgullo Latinx Pride, a program housed under the Hispanic Liaison. I have learned good habits, and they always push me to do my work and get better grades; most importantly, they have taught me that nothing is impossible. I know that may sound a little cheesy, but it’s true.
I cannot stress this enough: When they said, “Joining clubs and programs makes your high school experience way better,” they definitely were not wrong. You meet your kind of people, you have fun and you get good advice. However, don’t join a club just because your friend joined, or the other way around. You will regret it.
I come from a family of immigrants, and they always push me to do my best by giving me the “when I was younger” talk that consisted of lack of opportunities and how lucky I am to be here. Yes, it can get a bit repetitive and annoying, but I still listen. I’m grateful to have opportunities like these. I’m definitely no writer, but I tried it, and that’s what counts, right? So hey, get out of your comfort zone and try new things because you may find what you truly love.
This column that I’m writing is definitely random, but why not? There’s nothing wrong with learning or trying out new things. I’m a freshman in high school but I’m excited. Why? Because I’ve realized I can’t always live in the moment; time flies by like crazy. One day I’m sitting in a classroom waiting for class to be over, and the next I’ll be throwing my graduation hat upwards in the sky. I’m low-key looking forward to it one day. I have to listen to teachers, though, because sometimes I like to procrastinate or lack motivation to finish my work on time.
Fun fact: I did terribly the first semester because I didn’t take anything seriously.
So, if there are any upcoming freshmen reading this, please don’t do what I did. Instead, do your work, try new things, join clubs, programs, sports — anything that interests you.
Also, if you’re a Hispanic or Latinx student, don’t be afraid. Love your heritage and never let anyone treat you badly because of it. Speak up because, like my grandma once said, “Debajo de nuestro piel, somos lo mismo.” Under our skin, we are all the same.
Jocelyn Jimenez is a Mexican American 9th grader at Seaforth High School. Born in Chapel Hill, she’s been attending Chatham County Schools since she was in kindergarten.
