Hopes for my high schooler this school year

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Dear high schooler,
Each year of high school is a new adventure, and while the start of the school year is full of possibility, I know that there are worries, too. There are also lots of hopes for what it will bring. In addition to the hope that you’ll indulge me yet another back-to-school photo, I want you to know the goals for this school year that I have for you.Hopes for high schooler on first day of school

I hope you will be brave.

I know that a new school, especially one with 3,000 people, can be intimidating and even scary. You’ve got this, and you will be awesome. Remember that being brave is one of the most important goals for high school students. It also means taking chances. Every single day brings new opportunities to be brave. That could be inviting someone you don’t know to sit with you at lunch, standing up for a classmate others are picking on, or talking to the teacher who scares you about something you don’t understand. Do all of that.

Being brave means being yourself. Be confident. Decide what you like about yourself—don’t let other people or social media do that for you. Find friends who love you exactly as you are but who also inspire you to be better. This is one of the long-term goals for high school students, as it helps shape who you become.

And sometimes being brave means opting out when everyone else is opting in. I know you have the reservoir of courage you need for such situations. Go to it when you need. Jiminy Cricket was right—always let your conscience be your guide. Setting goals in high school means making good choices, even when doing so is hard.

I hope you will not be afraid to fail.

Please try new things. One of the best goals for a school year is to look at high school as a chance to explore and expand your horizons. Don’t just focus on what you already like and are good at. Give some new activities a shot to see if you like and are good at them, too. Trust me, there is no better time in life than high school to try out an activity that seems fun or interesting to you. These experiences contribute to your long-term goals as a student.

I hope you will take your education, but not yourself,  seriously.

The world is far more fun when you can laugh at yourself. (And it will make the aforementioned failure much easier to handle, too.) It is possible to laugh at yourself and be a serious student.

You are so very lucky to receive a wonderful education, and I know you are aware that there are girls around the world who would love to be in your shoes. Remember that when the chemistry lab seems hard and geometry isn’t exciting. One of the best academic goals for high school students is to embrace the challenges.

High school is an amazing academic opportunity, and I hope you’ll take full advantage of it. This includes setting academic goals for 2024 and beyond. That does not mean that I only want you to get good grades. It means that I want you to learn, to think independently, to challenge yourself, and to know that your teachers are eager to help you. Let them do that. Do your best and try your hardest—this should be on every list of goals for students in school.

I hope you will not to get caught up in the mania about college admissions.

I know it’s early, but it came up often during the parent orientation session. Remember Frank Bruni’s advice—where you go is not who you’ll be. Setting long-term goals in education should focus more on personal growth than on specific college rankings.

I know that you’ll light the world on fire and make it a better place, regardless of where you go to college. We want you to go somewhere that is a good fit for you, regardless of rankings and public opinion.

Please don’t get so focused on the future that you forget to live in the here and now. High school will be full of special moments. Enjoy them, and find the beauty and fun in the ordinary days, too. Sometimes, goals for high schoolers include simply being present.

I hope you know that you can always come to me.

No matter how old you are, you’ll always be my baby. (And yes, I see you rolling your eyes, but stay with me.)

I love you more than you know. I am here to help you. While I may not be able or willing to fix your problems, I will always be happy to listen and give you love and support as you figure out solutions.

You can use me as your excuse when you need to get out of situations or don’t know how to say “no.” You can call me any time for a ride—no questions asked. This support is one of the long-term goals for your personal growth.

I hope you will be kind.


Always.

I have been proud of you every single day I’ve been privileged to be your mom, but never more so than when I see you use that big heart of yours to be kind to others.

I can’t wait to see all the ways you make me proud in the coming four years. Have fun and know that your family is behind you 100 percent, 100 percent of the time. Remember, the goals for your child this school year are not just about academics but about becoming a kind, brave, and wonderful person.

Love,
Mom

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