Been there. Done that. That’s the claim two seniors like us can make as we move closer to graduation.

High school’s a series of ups and downs: first loves, heartbreaks, proms, quad day dances, all-nighters, lifelong friendships — you’ve got it all. What follows is our advice about what to do and what not to do to get you through these four special years with your sanity intact. 

No. 1: Wash your hands

Soap and water. Please.

Seeing people walk out of the bathroom with the mustiest hands on earth is truly disturbing and makes us want to run away from you. That dirty pizza grease from lunch rubbing on our hands is the worst feeling in the world, not to mention the ounces of grease and sweat that pile up on our school supplies. Don’t get us sick before our AP Lang midterm or we’ll come for you.

Let’s all do our part in preventing remote learning 2.0.

No. 2: Get your license

Do you really want to put off getting your permit until you’re a licenseless second-semester senior? Being a passenger princess is great and all, but making your friends drive you around everywhere is probably driving them crazy (literally). 

Also, being able to drive to and from school while going off campus during lunch is probably going to become the best part of your day, so go get that license at 16, kiddos!

Oh, and whatever you do, don’t crash.

No. 3: Go to school events

We get it. Staying in and taking a fat nap might sound better than being at school longer than you have to, but these school events become key memories and experiences. This doesn’t mean you have to attend every basketball game or spirit rally, but attending at least a few events a year will be a valuable opportunity to show support for your classmates and create memories. You’ll feel a part of something larger than yourself.

If anything, take a short FaceTime call or video game to the event. Contribute to rekindling the school spirit we severely need — and you won’t regret it.

No. 4: Avoid being a freeloader

There’s always a freeloader in every class, or so it seems. We’re not naming names here, but please, do your part financially in a group. It’s a team effort, and slacking off while your classmates reluctantly cover for you does absolutely nothing for your learning experience and social reputation.

Moreover, when you venture off to college, it’s a player-versus-player world. Develop some good habits now, and you won’t be left in the dust when you’re stranded thousands of miles from your parents with no one to whine to in college.

Sorry, not sorry.

No. 5: Don’t be an NPC

NPC: Non-player character.

Sometimes, we have our off days. We don’t feel like communicating or conversing, but it’s generally more acceptable to be slightly more outgoing in front of peers. We’re not telling you to be an extreme extrovert and speak every second, but try to be approachable at the bare minimum.

High school does revolve around schedules and routines, but break out of the loop sometimes and try something new. Not everyone’s the main character they make themselves out to be, but you don’t have to be the side character in the story either. Make life enjoyable for yourself, and at the end of the day, do what makes you happy in order to follow your dreams beyond high school.

No. 6: Please avoid PDA at all costs

We’re saving our most passionate rant for last, and believe me, no one, and we mean no one, wants to see kissy-kissy in the hallways. Forget lip-on-lip action — also, get your hands off of one another. Is it really that hard to keep your hands to yourself? 

Bring back social distancing.

We know you’re dating. We know you’re in love. We know you have deep feelings. We know everything. But we don’t need a physical demonstration at 10 in the morning before a physics test. 

Back-to-back traumatic experiences within an hour — dear lord.

Now, there are certain aspects of this guide that might not suit everyone’s needs or sensibilities. From personal experience, we can assure you that we have all the credentials to ensure a smooth high school experience, but in the end, no guide is the be-all and end-all of guides.

You’re the author of your own story.