1. “Find your passion and pursue it.” -Greg Everhard

My ever-so-wise father always told me this. Whether I was trying to decide my freshman class schedule or contemplating auditioning for the fall play, he believed that the most important factor in any decision was if I cared about the endeavor I would soon undertake. It did not matter if adding five new clubs to my resume would look great for colleges, what mattered was if I enjoyed spending my lunches planning fundraisers and Sundays volunteering. These words guided me especially during my junior year. I was worried that adding drama into my after-school schedule would be too difficult to balance, but my father assured me that if I loved to perform, I should not let anything get in my way. So while I sometimes cursed this advice the countless nights I would stay up studying during tech week or hour-long note sections after a long rehearsal, when the curtain shut on closing night I knew that by pursuing what I loved, and what made me happy, was a great choice.

2. “Yes and…” –Comedy Sportz

The number one rule of improv is to always respond to an offer with “Yes and..”. Basically, what this means is that when you are in a scene, you cannot deny the other ideas that your teammates suggest. Instead, you have to accept them while adding extra information. These two words transcend improvisation and are great to apply to real life. Say yes to (almost) everything! Trust me, in high school there are so many opportunities and you want to look back knowing you made the most of it. It is a time to experiment and try new things, so even if you have never gone on that hike in PV or thought about submitting your photography to a contest, try it! Also, do not forget the “and”, always add a little extra-something of yourself and your ideas.

3. “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”- Dr. Seuss

Alright seriously, Dr. Seuss knows what’s up. He defined my childhood with books that taught me that my imagination was valuable and that rhyming is key. He also helped me navigate the confusing maze of teenage friendship. While it is hard to break with friends from middle school or realize that those you once held close are changing, you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. So, if you feel held back, discouraged, or self-conscious around your friends, take it as a sign that those relationships are negatively affecting you. Friends are supposed to be your support system, confidence boosters, and biggest fans. Remember this and spend your time with people who accept you for who you are!

4. “Find a balance” –Every yoga instructor ever

Everyone wants to have it all: social life, good grades, sleep, stellar extra-curriculars, and sanity. Unfortunately, there are only twenty-four hours in a day, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot change that. I do not believe in the idea that you have to only choose two of the options listed above. Instead, you just need to find a balance. Do not load your plate with all AP classes if you know you want to still play in the jazz band- on the other hand, do not sign up for private music lessons all day on the weekend if you want to go out and see your friends. While life requires you to make compromise, you do not have to give everything up. It may take some time to figure out just the right amount of work and play you can squeeze into your schedule, but if you keep in mind that we are all only human, you will save yourself countless sleepless nights and unnecessary stress.

5. “When one door closes, another one opens” -Sara Everhard

This little phrase has held true for me the last four years. Whether or not everything happens for a reason, I have realized that when something does not work out, there is more often than not a greater opportunity waiting. Most of the time we just do not realize this because we focus too much on the negative. So next time things do not work out the way you hoped, take a deep breath (and maybe a couple hours to cry) and think about how many other great experiences and opportunities are waiting for you. And while things usually do work out in the end, take control and make things happen for yourself.

Thank you and good luck!

Emily Everhard

(Photos: Sandpiper Juniors Star Fish Formal, Opening Night of Peter Pan, College Commitment Day)