The Slayer’s Guide to High School

 


Most of the adults in my life would probably be worried by the assertion that I’ve learned everything I need to know about growing up from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In all fairness, it’s reasonable to assume that a television show about a demon hunter might not be packed with important lessons—but as any fan can confirm, Buffy is much more than a typical teen drama. Watching Buffy Summers grow through seven seasons of family troubles, breakups, life-or-death decisions, and battles with the undead made me far more confident in my own abilities. Teens in real life may not deal with werewolves and cyborgs, but there are certainly demons that we all struggle with, and these are illustrated beautifully through the challenges Buffy faces. In a world where high schoolers are often told they’re powerless or naive, Buffy serves as a reminder that young people can make a difference when given the opportunity to make their voices heard. As I prepare to leave BHS, I’ve decided to impart some of Buffy’s wisdom on future generations. By following these tips, you’re guaranteed to slay high school:


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Don’t expect high school to be picture perfect
“I’m over the whole ‘Buffy gets one perfect high school moment’ thing”.
Getting your license, going to prom, and graduating are all exciting milestones, but they probably won’t meet your expectations. We’re used to seeing images of the perfect high school experience in movies and on television: magical school dances, exhilarating first kisses, and endless summer nights. In reality, these “big moments” are not as idyllic, but they’re still pretty great.



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Skip the drama

“I don’t have time for vendettas. The mission is what matters”
Avoiding petty drama during school assignments and extracurricular projects will make it easier for you to focus on the task at hand and make the most out of it. In order to achieve your goals, you’ll probably have to get used to working with people you dislike. Collaboration is sometimes difficult, but it is a crucial skill that you can eventually apply to college and the work force.


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Enjoy being a kid while you still can

“And every year, my Dad buys me cotton candy and one of those souvenir programs that has all the pictures—and okay, it’s a big, dumb, girlie thing, but I love it”
Don’t rush to let go of your childhood traditions. If think you’re too cool to have slumber parties, dress up for Halloween, or watch movies with with your family, remember that the next few years are going to fly by. If you force yourself to grow up too fast, you’ll probably regret it  when you’re headed off to college.

 


 

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Don’t be afraid to be different

“Whistle while you work,
So hard all day…
To be like other girls,
To fit in, in this glittering world.”
Every high schooler feels the pressure to conform at some point in their lives. The truth is, there’s no such thing as “fitting in”. The popular kids you envy are probably just as insecure as you are. Never shy away from being different, and find strength in the qualities that make you unique instead of wishing them away.

 


BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER - ANGEL COMES BACK TO BUFFY - On the night of her mother's funeral, a grieving and confused Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) falls into the loving arms of Angel (guest star David Boreanaz) who comes back to Sunnydale after he gets word about the death of her mother in the "Forever" episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" airing on Tuesday, April 17 (8:00-9:00pm ET) on The WB. Pictured (l-r): David Boreanaz as Angel, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers Photo credit: © The WB/Richard Cartwright Media contact: Julie Kingsdale, The WB (818) 977-2308

Take control of your love life
“I’m the one that dates dead guys. And, no offence, but they were hotties.”
It’s easy for high-schoolers to feel pressures when it comes to sex, dating, and relationships. The sad truth is, whether you stay single or hook up with a new person every weekend, there will always be someone judging the choices you make. It’s impossible to please everyone, so the most important thing is that YOU are comfortable with your choices.


hqdefaultBe patient
“Okay, I’m cookie dough. I’m not done baking. I’m not finished becoming whatever the hell it is I’m gonna turn out to be.”
As college draws nearer and the pressure to decide on a career increases, it’s easy to get frustrated or stressed out. Regardless of what anyone tells you, you shouldn’t know exactly who you are before you’ve even graduated high school. Give yourself time to grow before deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life.


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Control your own destiny
“The Council is not welcome here. I have no time for orders.”
High school is a very formative time in most people’s lives. Over the course of these four years, you’ll probably find yourself developing your own opinions on social issues, religion, and politics. Don’t be afraid to challenge authority and question the worldview you’ve grown up with.  Finding the strength and independence to own your beliefs is a big step toward becoming an adult.



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Get involved
“There’s only one thing on this earth more powerful than evil. And that’s us.”
Community service is more than just a resume booster. Getting involved in a cause that you’re passionate about can be extremely rewarding and give you an idea of what you want to do in college and beyond. Take advantage of the opportunities available through your school district and local churches, community centers, and other organizations.


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Stay positive
“All the joy,
Life sends.
Family and friends
All the twists and bends,
Knowing that it ends”
Remember to be grateful for all the things that make life worth living. Thank the teachers, family members, and friends that have guided you through hardships and made your high school experience worthwhile. Your teenage years may sometimes seem like a mess, but there will always be something to sing about.


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Be brave
“The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live.”
Every obstacle you face might seem like the end of the world. It won’t be. Remember that high school is just one chapter in your life—someday you’ll look back on the tough times and be glad you didn’t give up.

 


Share your power with others
“From now on, every girl in the world who might be a slayer, will be a slayer. Every girl who could have the power, will have the power. Can stand up, will stand up.”
Resist the urge to view high school as a huge competition. Whether you love your classmates or can’t stand them, you should always encourage them to succeed instead instead of trying to tear them down out of jealousy or bitterness. You’ll shine brightest when you’re using your strength to empower the people around you.