The Best Advice from Kristyn! (:

 Class of 2016,

            Wow, years have flown by and now you are on your adventure into high school. Welcome to the fun, crazy, stressful, and decision making years. I am Kristyn Arlian, a senior, at Sweet Grass County High School and I remember sitting at 8^th grade graduation waiting to get the heck out of grade school. I was in your position and I could not wait for high school because that meant better lunches, lockers, sports, homecoming, dances, and way more freedom. I am sure you all are ready for at least one of those perks of being a high school student. Now high school is about making mistakes and becoming the person you want to be. I have made mistake after mistake but have learned from each and every one of them. When you guys enter through those big shiny blue doors you have started another chapter in your life. Yes, you will have your ups and downs but you need to remember to appreciate the ups in your life.

           I would like to share some of the advice I have learned throughout my 4 years of school. My English teacher/ basketball coach once told me that if you stand up for what’s good and right, you will go far places. I took this advice to heart and standing up for what I believe can be hard at times but I cannot let anyone try to change my beliefs and who I am as a person. When you guys enter high school there will be many choices and decisions you will have to face and you always need to remember to stick up for what you believe in. This advice is not only for your beliefs but also your family and friends. You need to stand up to issues even if no one else does.

          The other advice I have received over the years is stand out because life is too short to blend in. This advice has impacted my life greatly because you never know when life is going to be gone. Standing out and doing something that makes up you is very important. You need to remember that you always have to be yourself and never change who you are for anyone. Trying to blend in with the crowd will work for awhile but then it will through you under the bus. What I am trying to tell you is that if you blend to long your will lose your beliefs, morals, and you will be in a crowd that is not healthy for you.

         The last advice I would like to give you is get involved. The more activities, groups, sports, and clubs you are in, the best your experience will be. Getting involved throughout the school will help your grades stay up and will allow you to meet new people. We have tons of things going on in the school but it is your responsibility to stand up and get involved.

         Thank you for letting me share my advice with your class. I hope that you all have fantastic and fun high school years. Remember stand out, hold on to your beliefs, get involved and do great things.