JOURNALISM NEXT / Advice for your younger self at Outdoor-of-Door Academy

MANATEE -- When you look back one, two, 10 or 20 years ago, what comes to mind first?

Is there anything specific you wish you did or didn't do?

Often, time offers new perspective on decisions made in the past.

The transition from middle school to high school tends to be challenging for students. High school is the beginning of the college process and it is also the time many individuals find their social group.

Two of the oldest students at ODA shared what they would tell their freshmen selves if given the chance.

Student body President Sierra Dickerson said she has not always had an easy time in high school. In ninth grade, she remembers stay

ing up late every night and always waking up tired.

As the years went on, Dickerson began to adjust to the school schedule. Once she realized the changes she needed to make, Dickerson said she was less stressed and able to focus on academics, school and family life.

Dickerson advises: "Use your study halls and free periods wisely. It makes life so much easier."

In his freshmen year, senior Sam Hajduk said he had a hard time adjusting. Not only was he making the transition from middle to high school, Hajduk was also introduced to an entirely new environment at a different school far away from his previous home in New Jersey.

He said he felt nervous about fitting in, and was worried about being able to manage the academic workload. However, after making it past the first year of high school, he has nearly completed four years.

Hajduk said his perspective changed after his experience in China. He was halfway across the world when he realized it was not necessary to be locked up in a classroom to learn.

Through this travel experience, Hajduk was given the chance to look at life in a different way and all of his worries from freshmen year diminished.

"Don't worry so much about things because everything is going to work out in the end," said Hajduk.

As the character "Scotty P" from the movie "We're the Millers" says on his misspelled tattoo, No Ragrets: "Freshmen, this is your chance to take advice from the best of the best. Work hard in class, take opportunities, and you will be successful during your long (or short) four years of high school!

Liz Gaukhman, is a staff writer and social media coordinator for student newspaper The Bolt at The Outdoor-of-Door Academy.

This story was originally published October 18, 2015 at 10:36 PM with the headline "JOURNALISM NEXT / Advice for your younger self at Outdoor-of-Door Academy ."