Beginning early on in my childhood, I had a plan for my life. At first it was to become an astronaut, then to attend an Ivy League college, then run for president; the list went on and on. My ambition motivated me through my pre-teen years and even when my specific plans fell away, I continued through high school with the same vigor. However, now that I’m approaching graduation I’ve come to the realization that I never really took the time to experience high school.

Throughout middle and high school, I threw myself into clubs and activities; so much so that I had very little time to just relax. I don’t regret getting involved in extracurriculars: I have enjoyed every single thing I’ve been involved in, but it was too much.

Having time to spend with friends and family, read a book or just exist were rare occurrences for me in high school. I was happy with the things I did fill my time with, but I can’t lie, it was exhausting at times.

If I had one recommendation for incoming freshmen, it would still be to get involved, but with caution. Joining everything can be incredibly fulfilling, but it often leads to more stress than it’s worth.

Getting involved in the activities that are truly an interest is so worth it, but so is having the time to take a breath and relax. If I could go back and do it all again, I would tell myself to save time to just live life.