Throughout childhood, things like YouTube videos and Instagram posts have formed an image on how high school is and what one’s experience should be like. Watching this media causes young children to form expectations, fears and excitements about how this period will affect us.

Expectations going into high school are often based on a number of fears, such as going into a big school with older people, having harder classes and dealing with drama between friendships. These beliefs do not necessarily make children predict high school will be the best experience. However, this is mostly incorrect. Although all these things can happen, it is often exaggerated in the media.

“I have met a lot of new people, and it has been great to make new friends,” said freshman Caitlin Whitty when talking about how high school has helped broaden her horizons.

With finals coming up, even if old fears have been put to rest, new expectations can start to arise since there is a prevalent assumption that finals season is a time for cramming. Pulling all nighters starts to become the new worry. Social fears begin to turn into academic ones.

Although this time of year is stressful, it is often blown up on social media as much worse than it actually is. With the right help from classmates and teachers as well as a strong work ethic, the academic part of high school can be much more manageable and interesting than most make it seem.

In reality, high school provides amazing learning opportunities and life lessons, both in social and academic areas. Being exposed to new people and subjects is something that can have a hugely positive impact on people’s lives, and although it can be intimidating, it is not nearly as scary as it seems. Along with the social aspect, the academic advantages, like having to prepare for finals and exams, embed good study habits and time management skills that are essential for having a successful future.