The Ultimate LV Survival Guide
Spoiler alert: there is no pool on the third floor. I, Kate Donchess, a senior here at Licking Valley, am here to help . At the beginning of each year, there are new students that fill the halls of our school: some freshman, others transfer students. These two groups of students have to learn the ways of our high school and adjust to our atmosphere. Everyone has their own way of adjusting, but here are a few tips and tricks from peers and teachers to help you adjust to the Panther lifestyle.
1. School Spirit
“Never believe it is too lame to go all out for sporting event themes!” (Emma Gossett). Our cheerleaders come up with a theme for each football and basketball game. Following the themes makes everyone happy! Participation is key for our student section and makes it so much more fun. There are student section leaders that lead cheers, one of our favorites is “We Got Spirit,” this allows the opponents’ student section to participate with us in a yelling match. As student section leaders, we try to make it more enjoyable for those sitting with us. Cheering in the student section is a way to support our student athletes. These games are where our grades 9-12 come together to cheer together in one voice. This is a fun way to get students involved with the community.
2. Silence in study hall
Study hall with Mr. Camp is time to get your work done and for your mouth to stop moving. “Study hall is a place of silence” (Kendall Miller), if you get caught talking, you might as well put yourself in the corner. You should respect your peers study time, it allows them to prep for their future. Study hall is crucial to get work done especially when your workload gets heavy. If you do not get all the work done in study hall, the addition of Panther Period this year is to help students have time to get their work done. The reward of getting homework done during school and not having to do it at home is phenomenal. Outside of school, there may not be enough time to finish your work with a job and extracurriculars.
3. Standing in the middle of the hallway
Keep on moving. We are NOT a herd of cattle, we are intelligent humans here. Never stop in the middle of the hallway, “it’s the best way to irritate your fellow peers” (Emme Cherubini). To lessen the clumping in the hallways, always choose the back staircases. In each hallway, there are staircases that lead to a downstairs hallway. By using these staircases, you earn brownie points with the upperclassmen. We tend to get frustrated when the school year begins because students are learning how to most efficiently guide themselves through the school.
4. Ditching the lunch line
You will eventually get your food… I promise. Ditching the lunch line will cause students to scowl at you or even yell. If you really want your lunch that quickly, rush to the cafeteria, or better yet pack your lunch! Respect the wait, visit with your peers in the line. You’ll see new faces and some familiar ones, say “hey” to an old friend. Just the other day I was in line and talked to an individual that I haven’t spoken to in a while. “It really can be well worth the wait,” (Chance Settles) you just have to make the most from that five minutes or so waiting for your food.
5. Asking for help
According to Mrs. Mullett, “never be embarrassed to ask for help.” Our teachers are here to answer questions and they are more than willing to. You are here to learn, and you are responsible for your own education. Be an advocate for your learning. Panther Period this year will open new opportunities for questions. Use it to your advantage. Getting help allows you to grow as a student, and provides communication skills!
6. Avoid drama
Avoid all the drama. If drama happens around you walk away if needed. Drama affects people physically and mentally, and it will drain your energy. “Keep your journey focused on your goals” (Adkins). If it comes to it, change your friend group. Having toxic individuals in your life can cause you to lose focus in class. Drama is not worth your future. Try to let go, do what you need to do in order to make you happy.
High school is supposed to be the best 4 years of your life. You decide how those four years turn out. You hear that these years fly by, and being a senior, I can honestly say they do. Make the best of these four years, make friends, join clubs, do anything to get involved. Make sure to leave this school with your name ringing a bell. Lift others up with your positivity, and do not let your peers bring you down. Focus on your own goals, no matter how tough they seem to be. High school will not always be easy, but there are always a few tips and tricks to help you survive and make the journey more enjoyable.