High School can sound like a terrible and treacherous experience, like the sequel to that god awful Middle School–something quite literally portrayed in, to some degree, many Disney movies.

I can assure you, it is most definitely not like a single movie you’ve seen.

The cool kids won’t single you out and bully you.

The food is identifiable 95% of the time.

There are NOT food fights in the cafeteria.

Most of everyone has acne somewhere on their bodies.

You don’t use your locker at all; you’ll be lucky to even be assigned one.

My Advice: Regardless of how you feel, all freshman look cringey, especially the ones who run to lunch for no reason.

So, Dear Kid Who Naruto Runs To Lunch Everyday, please refrain. Regardless of where you are in line, we will cut you, as is our upperclassmen privilege.

Enjoy your stay. Do not be in such a rush to get everywhere, as you will most likely miss the funniest moments of your life.

The hallways are teeming with meme worthy people, you just have to watch for them.

My second word of advice: Enjoy school. Join that club, take that language class, talk to that quiet kid in the corner, stay out too late on weekends (occasionally), go to that sports match or that football game, go to that dance, and most importantly take time for mental health.

Mental health is one of the most overlooked things among High School students, and if you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to prioritize yourself over school. I promise it will help more than it will hurt.

Never be afraid of what people are going to say because, I can assure you, in five days it won’t matter and they’re going to talk regardless. You have the right to do what makes you happy, and more often than not you will make even better friends while doing it.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the next four years. I promise they will be whatever you make them out to be. And to semi-quote a Disney show that the class of 2017 grew up watching, “Good Luck Little Lions (Charlie).”

Below are the stories featured in the June 12 issue of The Roaring Gazette.

Dr. Spence Talks Discipline, Technology, the Arts by Aniyah Lewis

Senior Prom Lives up to Expectations by Kayla Smith

No More AP Summer Assignments for Tallwood Students by Cassidy O’Neal

Mixed Feelings on “Fidget Spinners” by Elena Day

Meet a Lion: Mr. Matthew Denvir by Ophelia Reid

Dear Incoming Freshmen: Enjoy the Next Four Years by Marissa Howell

Apple Watch Impresses by Dylan Klepk

Recap: 1st Day of Passing League by Richard Ruffin

Classic Game Review: Dead Rising by Charles Romano

Rap’s Resident Genius Strikes Again by Erin Nathan

In space, no one can hear you sigh… by Austin Luciani