Tomorrow, Jolie Gefen graduates from Staples High School.
One of 2 “06880” interns this spring, she helped develop our new “Teens & Tweens” series, giving Westport’s youth a voice on our blog.
Jolie kicks things off today, writing honestly and impactfully about her time in high school. Please share her words with the young people in your life.
According to Google, optimism is “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.”
Jolie Gefen
As a moody high schooler undergoing all kinds of stress and drama, the idea of optimism did not come easily to me. As I anticipate graduating on Monday, I reflect on my past 4 years, and now know much more than I did as a freshman.
I wish I had prioritized keeping an open mind and staying positive.
As most of us know very well, Staples fosters an extremely competitive environment. At times, the constant stress and competition I forced myself to undergo and experience over simple assignments was far too overwhelming.
I also often kept a closed mind about taking classes outside of my comfort zone or in subjects I had yet to partake in. I deeply regret that, but I have also learned from it.
High school is a time to learn what kinds of things interest a person, and I feel I neglected to do so. It’s imperative to take advantage of the many avenues Staples offers us and to ignore anyone suggesting that the classes you take have to align with what you may pursue in college, as it is simply not true.
When it came to the topic of college, my situation also was very close-minded and pessimistic. All my life I have had one dream school. This school was pretty much do or die for me, and I made myself feel that my worth and value as a person and student relied on getting accepted by this college.
I constantly doubted my ability of success, and became frantic over each imperfect grade as it could have hurt my chances of acceptance.
I implore future seniors about to embark on this long journey to stay optimistic throughout the process, and maintain faith in yourself. You will end up where you need to be, and at the end of the day, a college does not define you.
One of the biggest regrets I have to this day is how narrow-minded I was regarding friends. Until senior year, I had failed to reach out to new people or be open to becoming friends with some people because of preconceived notions in my head. Right before senior year, however, I joined a big group of amazing girls and found my best friends.
Jolie Gefen and friends.
Although it’s impossible to know it will work out until you’re on the other side of things, I really wish I had just kept an open mind to everyone around me. The people I am closest to today are people I hadn’t even ever talked to a year ago. Things really do have a way of working out, and I believe I am living proof.
I know it’s all easier said than done, but I truly hope anyone reading this who may feel the same as I did when it came to classes, college or friends hears me when I say that keeping an open, positive mind is key. When things are tough, try your hardest to find the silver linings and stay optimistic.
When things are great, savor every moment.
I have learned that high school is truly what you make of it.
(“Teens & Tweens” is an open forum for Westport students. You can write about anything: good or bad, happy or sad, your passions and dreams, your thoughts about your life and community. You can use your name, or be anonymous. You can also submit artwork, videos or other media. If interested, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
One thing not mentioned, is the role your parents played. Were they the kind who wanted results? Good luck in the future to you and all the graduates!
Congratulations! You did what you were supposed to do in high school, you matured and learned. Try not to be too hard on yourself and your regrets. The fact that you are so insightful now about your time of learning and maturing as a high school student will certainly help you make the best of your college journey. Congratulations on your graduation and enjoy growing and maturing even more in college!
Jolie, thank you for writing such an insightful post, and for being open and honest about your experience at Staples. You learned a lot about yourself and what is important in life and that is what truly matters. I wish you all the best as you continue to bloom, blossom and grow!
What a wonderful essay by Jolie Gefen. More than ever, we ALL, regardless of our ages, need to be open minded, optimistic and creative as we deal with life’s challenges. Thank you, Jolie, and best wishes.