“You get what you make out of it” — Through the eyes of Waltham High School
January 23, 2023
You may have heard the saying you get what you make out of it. Most people hear it when they are in school, specifically high school. In high school, many people have the expectation for students to know what they want to do upon graduation. There is also the expectation to build strong relationships. But what do Waltham High School students want to get from their four years of time in this special place, and how will they do it?
Personally as a sophomore, just like any other student, I am hoping to get a decent education. To do this I will put my best efforts into the work that is given, as well as putting in the time, in order to make small goals that will hopefully develop into bigger goals as I grow throughout my 2.5 years remaining at WHS. .
Outside of the education factor, I hope to continue to build ever-lasting friendships as well as memoriesOf course, the education factor of high school is important, but it is also a time when memories are created and looked back on as a reminder of what you made out of your high school years and experience.
“There is always work that needs to be put into an end result,” says WHS sophomore Katie Morales. She also speaks about how she believes in a path that starts with high school, then getting accepted into a competitive college, building towards a successful career and life. Specifically, during her high school journey, Morales hopes to excel in her classes and work towards bigger and better things. Memories are also essential to make Morales says, they make the high school experience more meaningful and enjoyable.
And a teacher’s perspective on you get what you make out of it? The sooner you realize the truth in this idea everything becomes more meaningful to you.
“Build relationships with your teachers. Life is ultimately all about relationships… it’s about going outside of your comfort zone and taking those risks to build those deeper connections with people,” said WHS English and Journalism teacher Ms. Bailey-Herrera. “Through these relationships, students can also discover what they are passionate about. Shared passions form deeper bonds and energy starts to build, guiding students further along their individual paths.”
An article in The New York Times also brings up what students want to get out of high school as well as what they want to make out of it. Instead of interviewing students, they allow them to comment on the article and share what they want personally as an individual. “Things such as the opportunity to get an education in high school are important because this is basically when one chooses the direction that they will be planning on going throughout life,” said student Alejandro.
You get what you make out of it mindset is not only important throughout high school, it can be something to refer to in daily life. If you are in question about what you want to get out of an experience, look at others around you and look toward the positives. And also think about what your life would be like with these added aspects of what you made. Think to yourself, if in high school, What do you want to get out of high school and how will you go about it? But if not in high school, how can you add this to your life?
