Semester 2 is always a turning point in each high school year, especially with work picking up around now and emotions running high with seniors. This point is all about figuring out what kind of person you decide to be, whether it’s by learning which study methods suit you best from midterms or which careers you are really interested in pursuing. Now that 2025 is over, it’s time to reflect on our past to grow into the future. Here’s your guide to 2026 from a rising junior.

Tip #1~ Never Say No To Yourself Before Others Can

There are going to be so many people who say no to you; don’t let yourself be one of them. Even if you don’t get the opportunity, don’t ever hesitate to apply because there might be a chance you do.

I attended an open audition for the State Team of Performance in Round (PIR) while having joined the Speech and Debate team the same year. There were many members who had tried out and had more experience on the team than I had, but I was selected and had an unforgettable time participating in the Speech State season. I made so many memories and so many connections just because I didn’t say no to myself before somebody else did.

Tip #2~ Make the Stage Your Own

This summer, I had the amazing chance of visiting Paris, France, thanks to my family.

On the first day, we were walking around near the Eiffel Tower, while waiting for our reservation, and across the Eiffel Tower is the Jardins du Trocadéro. While walking up the steps in this garden, there were a couple of people singing and playing instruments.

Just before leaving the garden, my dad had alerted me that there were people from the audience who could volunteer to sing. Honestly, in front of strangers, in a foreign country, and not having any preparation had me leaning towards not taking the opportunity. Then there was a little voice in my head that had reminded me that I was singing in front of people I was never going to meet again in a country that I wouldn’t see for, at least, a really long time, if not forever.

Once I had built up the courage to volunteer, I sang and had the most magical experience being able to sing publicly in Paris right across from the Eiffel Tower. With the slightest bit of confidence, I was able to make the stage mine, and it was even more magical when after I was able to help a younger girl build up the confidence to sing on this stage too.

Tip #3~ Don’t Be Afraid To Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

During sophomore year, I had the pleasure of figuring out what careers interested me and what careers I was less likely to major in. At the end of the year, I had decided I wanted to pursue a career in Environmental Law to ensure that we adhere to established laws and to advocate for stronger regulations to protect the environment. Last year, I had an amazing opportunity that was definitely a deciding factor when choosing my future career.

This experience that helped brighten my career horizons was being a Page for A Day. This entailed being able to shadow the senator throughout her day and learn about the teamwork that goes on behind the scenes. I saw her throughout multiple meetings of groups who had come in to discuss problems that had and I was able to sit behind panels as she was on a committee to observe and absorb the inner workings of the Senate.

The most exciting part of the day was when I was able to attend Session with her. Session in the government is where all the Senators are gathered to vote individually on whether or not to pass bills. I was presented by Senator Ventura, who announced who I was and introduced me with a little summary about my passions, and introduced me to other Senators.

I was in awe the entire day, even when I wasn’t by her side. I was with her assistant, who was teaching me about how a bill is passed, which is a much more complicated process than I expected. Although the original plan was to go into Environmental Science, this convinced me that I needed to be in this setting. Where we are setting expectations and regulations to protect. Seeing how hard they worked and the impact they made made me want to make this impact and help change what needs to be changed, thanks to my stepping out of my comfort zone.

These are my three tips to succeeding not only in Semester 2 or high school year but throughout life in general. When you follow these tips and tricks, you open yourself up to more life- changing opportunities and unforgettable experiences.