My Advice to a High School Senior

My Advice to a Rising Senior

            When it comes to advice, our elders are the ones who provide us with the knowledge we need to become successful in this competitive world. Each day we are faced with challenges and obstacles that we must overcome. The difference between those who are achievers and those who are not is that the ones who are successful have the mindset of working hard until they accomplish their goals. With that, my advice for rising seniors is to keep their focus on succeeding and maintaining high grades.

            When a student enters their senior year of high school, the first thought is that they are on top of the world. However, a high ego can and will lead to your downfall. After surviving junior year and the Graduation Project, the majority of students believe they have endured the most challenging parts of high school. They are wrong. First semester of senior year is the more important than junior year alone. The reason is that colleges take mid-year grades into importance when considering an applicant for admission. If you are borderline average for the school of your choosing, you will greatly benefit from earning a few extra A’s to boost your GPA. Secondly, if a college notices that your grades have fallen, they will suspect that you have ‘checked-out’ of school and that you have begun to slack off. Thirdly, when applying to colleges, ask for letters of recommendation early, research your colleges early, and join a club or two to add to your resume.

            The most important advice I have to offer for rising seniors is to not try to be the movie image of a senior because you will get into trouble and it is not worth the several years of hard work to lose it all over a careless mistake. When a student reaches their senior year, he or she will begin to think they are capable of doing anything. Students feel freedom to try new things and party to the degree which is observed in movies. If you choose to attend parties and social gatherings, understand the consequences of being involved in activities that are not appropriate or legal for the age of a minor. One night, one poor decision, or one mistake can ruin an entire schooling career. However, remember to enjoy your senior year because it is the concluding moments of your childhood until you move on to a new phase of your life. There is so much to live for and love in high school. Do not try to be someone you are not. Do not let drama affect your senior year because it is not worth fretting over. Senior year is a time to have fun and cherish. Additionally, spend time with your closest friends because within a year after your senior year, you will no longer see 99% of your friends. In the end, achieve as much as possible for you to feel accomplished when you walk across the stage in June.

 

-Austin McClain Baker




Austin Baker

Twitter: @ABakerPresident

Email: DreamsDriveDetermination@gmail.com

 

Top-Ranked Long Snapper Commits, Chooses UNC-Chapel Hill

By: Austin Baker

(Ardrey Kell High School, Student Body President)

CHARLOTTE, nc. --- Kyle Murphy, long snapper from Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte, North Carolina) has officially committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a preferred walk-on.

On Thursday, December 5, 2013, the eighteen-year-old committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill while sitting next to Ardrey Kell Head Coach, Adam Hastings and the Head Coach for UNC Chapel Hill, Larry Fedora.

Ranked #1 in the state of North Carolina according to Rubio Long Snapping, the 6’3, 230 pound long snapper has chosen where he will take his future.

Earning the starting spot on the Ardrey Kell Varsity Football team as a long snapper in both his Junior and Senior seasons, Kyle began to prove to coaches that he was capable of playing at the collegiate level. Recruits noticed his motivation, worth-ethic, and dedication to succeed not only on the field, but in the classroom as well; proving himself to be a true, all-around athlete. In addition, most coaches and players would describe Kyle as versatile. Throughout high school, he was introduced to playing right tackle and center. Essentially, the Tar Heels will appreciate the versatility Murphy has to offer.

Before committing to the University of North Carolina, Murphy had several colleges recruiting him, including Tennessee, Appalachian State, North Carolina A&T, Furman, Wofford, and Coastal Carolina. I spoke with Murphy earlier this week and he was excited on his decision to take his future to Chapel Hill. In our conversation, I asked why he chose UNC Chapel Hill over other schools who were interested in him. He explained, “They [Chapel Hill] are a young team and are growing immensely.” In addition, he added “It’s hard to beat a Carolina education!”

We then discussed a more in-depth analysis on why he chose to attend North Carolina and the pros and cons to being a preferred walk-on. Kyle noted, “Being a walk-on is not what I have intended to become, but it’s what I am currently listed as. Of course, I did not choose to be a preferred walk-on, however I do not mind it because when I earn a starting spot and prove myself valuable, I will be awarded a scholarship.” Genuine in his responses and humble in his mannerisms, Kyle is a talented student-athlete who has much to look forward to.

Kyle is extremely clear on what he wants to accomplish while attending UNC Chapel Hill. He expects to earn a degree in Business and then plans to carry his knowledge into the workplace where he hopes to work in the upper-tier of a corporation.

At the conclusion of our conversation, he described how thankful he was for the support from his family, coaches, and friends. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a remarkable student-athlete coming their way.

 

 

For more information:

Twitter: @ABakerPresident

Email: austin.baker25@yahoo.com