You don’t need to know who you are; think about who you were two years ago.  You’re not the same, are you? Every day you change. Perry can help grow and shape you into a young, talented adult. But you have to be open to it. Take Jacque Milholland’s advice and simply: “Put yourself out there.” Be open to change and learn who you are. Don’t worry: There’s no deadline. Try it. If you don’t like it or aren’t good, try something else. Start a friendship with someone new. If you don’t connect; that’s OK. Try something new. Sophomore Sophia Lopez-Wright says “to be yourself” because she believes diversity is what makes this school amazing.

Make friends with faculty and staff : Unlike Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, most staff at PMHS aren’t cranky old people who hate kids. All of them are here for you and want you to succeed; they aren’t out to get you. As one teacher put it, “Teachers are too tired for treachery.” Make a connection with a teacher, staff member or administrator. Every adult in the building remembers how hard it is to be a teen and can give advice or encouragement without a lecture like your mom or dad. Plus, they help with letters of recommendation come job and college application time. Try to connect during BLU63, in the hallways between classes, after school or in clubs they sponsor.

 Get involved and meet new people : Attend football games, choir concerts, or join a club that has a variety of people in it such as Best Buddies, Key Club, Link crew or REACH club. You’ll be surprised exactly how diverse the school is and how many people have interests similar to yours. Junior Abigail Hoover says, “Our school offers so many unique opportunities so I would suggest trying a few and finding out which you enjoy. It’s a great way to find friends who are passionate about the same things as you.”

Keep up with your grades : Especially your freshman year. Junior Semaj Danley advises freshmen: “Start off strong. Working hard your freshman year will dictate how hard you have to work the rest of the three.” For example, if you have a 2.2 GPA (C average) at the end of your freshman year, you will need to earn at least a 3.8 GPA (a 95 percent)  your first semester as a sophomore to bring your GPA up to a 3.0 or B.

 Be flexible but prepared: Be ready for things to go differently than planned. I personally never expected or planned to be a student athlete or AP student, but these very things are what has made my high school experience worthwhile. Senior Purseh Gbadyu says: “Stay organized. Use your agenda or smartphone planner to stay on top of things.” Don’t wait until the last minute to start a project; you never know when life will get in the way.

Focus and get it done. Learn time management. Junior Thawng Hmung says “It’s important to learn to settle down and finish school work efficiently. Organize. Prioritize. And be mature.”