January 27, 2025 by Ava Tatum (‘25)
Since starting the school paper, I have gotten bombarded multiple times, with requests to start an advice column, but I simply just don’t have the time. So, I thought, let me bless Saratoga Springs High School with some of my best advice, with hints of the satire I know you love.
I know a lot of young people are struggling, whether it’s with their mental health, loneliness, burnout, or whatever else could be going on in your personal life. See, when I said “young people” I really meant “Ava” is struggling. But truly, everyone is probably struggling with something. However, see this new year, and semester as a glowing neon (possibly sparkly) reset button.Try new things! The worst that could happen is you don’t like it.
When you live somewhere your whole life, it’s hard to make new friends, especially after leaving a toxic friend group. You might feel like after a while, everyone has their clique of people and venturing out into another group may be too risky. Trust me, I know, I moved across the country to get away from some of those people. But I’ve found success with a few things, the first is to put yourself out there. Even if you’ve been scared to talk to that person since 8th grade, if you’re consistent and want to get to know them better, you’re bound to integrate yourself into their friend group somehow. All of my friends can attest to this, I just kept on showing up to their table at lunch, contributed a few very funny jokes, and haven’t even earned myself a restraining order yet. Most importantly, be yourself, and I’m sure someone will find enjoyment in your quirky side or long yap sessions.
If you want to be even more adventurous, join a club! Our school has a million clubs to choose from, some more… resume filling than others. I mean look at this list, Arachnids Anonymous, Students Against COVID-19, Underwater Basket Weaving Club in the White Gym, and of course-the silliest of them all, and totally not the only one actually existent on my list-, The Lightning Rod, every Monday in B118. Finding a club full of students that have the same interests as you can be a great way to meet new people!
If you’re too cool for clubs, you could get a job. I promise that the job market is not oversaturated with sad, underpaid teenagers… probably. My advice for making friends applies here too, keep showing up and clocking in until they accept you as a real employee. Look at me, I work at the Starbucks on Broadway, and I struggle making every single one of their Venti, Frappicino-filled-with-cold-brew-fresh-foam drinks.
Lastly, please don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. If you need advice on your interpretive dance for your thermodynamics presentation, I’m probably your gal. Anything else? I am of no help to you. If any of these tips help you, or you want to see more articles like this, I give you full permission to find me in school and ask me for my autograph, my flex is in G206.