Timmy Moon

    Dear New Mustangs,

    My name is Timmy; I am a senior and a fellow Mustang, and I want to welcome you to some of the most important years of your lives. For some, these years mean exploring new interests, having fun, and making new friends; for others, it is the set up to larger things in life. Throughout the next four years, you will create wonderful memories and spend time with those you love. 

   I am going to bestow some knowledge that I have accumulated so far, and I hope that it might help you ease into your new environment. There are many new things this year: Vice Principal Dr. Dobmeier, the removal of midterms from student schedules, and the addition of student of the day. MRHS is filled with opportunities, and it is up to you to seize them. This list is to highlight these opportunities and guide you to making the most of high school. 

1. Do what genuinely interests you.

Often when entering high school, there are so many questions of “What clubs are the best?” or “How will this maximize my application?” The honest answer is surprisingly simple, do what you love. Dive deep into the rabbit holes you come across. Your passion and ambition in anything unique to you will shine through more than many think. Find opportunities and ways to stand out in those things, whatever you choose to pursue.

2. Explore Everything

Now many students may ask, “What if I don’t have any interests that seem worth pursuing?” Explore new niches. In high school, you have more time, passion, and opportunity, than you ever will, and prioritizing self discovery and the pursuit of opportunity is a must. For me that was rock climbing, and I love it so much I have even gone to the point of introducing all my friends to the art of climbing plastic rocks.

3. Ditch the dang device.

As cliche as it may sound, the phone is the reason. The phone is the reason so many procrastinate important deadlines. The phone is the reason why no one seems to think original thoughts. The phone is the reason why students miss out on so many time-bounded opportunities. I remember doing an experiment in my junior year and during this time, I completely deleted my large screen time apps and videogames, and it allowed me to really realize how much these stimulations affect my daily life. If the screen ever feels like too much, maybe giving it a break may help.

4. Take HCC classes

One of my biggest suggestions is to take either dual-enrollment classes at HCC or just take classes that fit your pursuits. HCC has been one of my favorite ways to expand my learning and show passion in different subjects that I genuinely enjoy. This fall I am taking a visual story production class. I have no experience in that field but the class sounded fun, so I decided to sign up. I am learning a lot more than I could have ever expected and I am enjoying the time with a professor and keeping up with college classes.

5. Run around with a lollipop and propeller hat

HAVE FUN. School is a stressful time for many students. Mental wellbeing is a big factor in a happy school… So go make friends and go to the school sports games. Go show school spirit and support and rep the school colors. If having fun means you need to get a large rainbow lollipop and a colorful propeller hat then by all means get one. Just make sure to get one for a friend while you’re at it.

Even though the list could go on forever, it’s important to remember your sense of self when going through school. Find your interests, explore everything, ditch that phone, advance your learning, and have fun. No matter what life throws at you, just enjoy the time you have at MRHS. Time will slip away rapidly, so catch it while you can.