Do not waste any time. If this year has taught us anything it’s not to take anything for granted. Never think that you’re too young or unqualified to achieve what you want to achieve in life, whether it’s writing a book, applying for a competitive internship/school, or striving for leadership positions within school clubs.

We’re our own biggest enemy when it comes to these things because we constantly tell ourselves that we’re not good enough before even trying, when in reality, the only thing that’s keeping us from achieving that certain thing is ourselves.

-- Imani Mayo

Meditation is a powerful tool. When you slow down and actively examine your thoughts you can learn a lot. Only thing you need is a calm area to take deep breaths in and out.

-- Alexander Makori

The youth are often eager to go out and explore the world; they want to grow up so that they can have access to certain freedoms that adults experience. This is a good trait because it keeps them motivated and optimistic about the future. I also think that the youth population is known for having big, limitless imagination. It enables them to see the world in a different light; it also keeps them from ever getting bored. They look towards the future, create scenarios in their heads, and project their creative ideas onto their futures.

-- Anthony Ibezim

My mom recently told me that the key thing people forget is, that we are our own biggest asset. Meaning the most valuable thing we can have in this world, is ourselves. In this day and age it’s easy to get caught up in the materialistic values of the world. It’s easy to want for that new car, that new house, or those new clothes and shoes.How are we going to reach these goals if we aren’t constantly renewing ourselves? If we’re not constantly working on our mindsets and becoming better people, it will reflect in our outside lives.

-- Crystal Ubadiniru

Reach out. Sometimes, we must take an introspective look and realize the world doesn’t revolve around us. Don’t take anyone’s presence for granted, as a life can be taken in an instant-as we all have witnessed one way or another this year. Let the outreach be a time to just converse with them, instead of it being a chore. When they-or we-are gone, those seemingly trivial moments are the ones that will be cherished the most down the road. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, but the time put into a simple call, or even a text today, is a gift that will last a lifetime.

-- Alexander Bonhomme

The endless advice you will receive as you navigate the most confusing, fluid, and uncharted part of your life. Advice will be useful and advice will be irrelevant. People come from a place of love and people come from a place of envy. As you conquer your identity crises and change both your physical and emotional state of being, you will also have to weed through the counsel you will undoubtly receive. Understand that no one has life figured out. Not one person on this earth will ever truly understand their reason for being, until they leave, and at that point we can no longer contact them to ask how it goes.

-- Nimah Nayel