Dear Freshmen,

Welcome to Aspen High School! You are officially at the top of the school food chain, but still have a lot of learning to do. As you begin this exciting journey as a Skier, I want to share some crucial advice to help you not just survive, but thrive during your highschool years. Trust me, learning from the experiences of those who have walked the halls before you can be life changing. Here are some pointers to keep in mind. I have first hand experience with as you navigate high school life:

1. Respect Your Teachers

It might be tempting to jest with or complain about teachers, but remember: don’t be rude to your teachers. They talk and gossip just like we do. Building a respectful relationship with your teachers can help you in more ways than one, from getting extra help to struggling less in class. Do not forget that your teachers are actually human and have lives just like you. They are not just paid amusement park workers to make your experience enjoyable, you play the same part that your teachers play in your life. You absolutely do not want to be THAT kid.

2. Avoid Parking at the ARC

When the time comes and you finally get the license you’ve been dreaming of, do not risk parking at the ARC. Each morning, parking enforcement is on high alert, and trust me, they will outsmart you every time. You don’t want to leave school only to discover a $75 ticket waiting for you on your car. Save yourself the stress and look for parking elsewhere, even if it means getting to school 30 minutes early for a rim spot… We’ve all done it.

3. Food Stops for Sports Travelers

For those of you involved in sports, always make sure to find your way to Chic Fil A in Grand Junction when traveling for games. This is your only chance within a 2-hour radius of Aspen. Speaking of traveling for sports, be extra cautious with your gear—make sure your uniform is packed before you’re two hours away from school in the middle of nowhere. Being unprepared can really ruin the day.

4. Lunchtime Logistics

Yes, I know it sucks that you cannot leave campus. However, network with the upper classman and take advantage of your friends to out source food. If you plan on getting lunch from Big Wrap, call ahead! If you want to grab lunch AND make it back to school on time, ordering in advance is a must. Just call Babs and she will hook you up with your order. If you walk in late to class with lunch your teachers not only will want a bite but will give you a look of “are you serious.”

5. Dress for the Extreme Weather of Classrooms

Just because the school claims it’s heated does NOT mean you’ll feel heated. Bring at least five jackets. The temperature can fluctuate, and it’s better to be prepared for the cold than shivering through class. Layering is your best bet for staying warm. It is not just cold, some classrooms feel like the Sahara Desert… If seasonal depression kicks in mid-february, take a staycation to Sheri Smiths room to sweat it out. Once again, layers are key.

6. PARTICIPATE

This piece of advice is strictly following YOLO ideology. Do everything and experience everything because you are only here for four years and those years will fly by. Dress up for field day, shred on ski day, attend every game in the student section. Don’t miss the energy and excitement at the football games. Make sure to hold on for dear life when you hear, “Ohhhh we’ve got our hands up high, our knees down low” or “what about, what about, what about the color shout”. If you are not securely anchored to the ground you will end up two rows in front of you with four people in a dog pile. it’s a great bonding experience with classmates and a way to show your school spirit. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

7. Get Involved in Field Day

When Field Day rolls around, be in it to win it! Trust me, those homecoming tickets are sacred. Participating whole heartedly in events like Field Day can create some of the best memories of high school, so put your heart into it.

8. Choose Your Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with good people who lift you up; you never know who might be in your wedding one day. The friends you make in high school can have a lasting impact on your life, so choose wisely and make sure they do not drag you down.

9. Have Hope For Snowdays

When there’s snow in the forecast you better believe you are expected to always put a spoon under your pillow, flush ice cubes down the toilet, and wear your pajamas inside out. These little traditions can sometimes lead to unexpected rewards from Cam, making winter a bit more exciting and the skiing extra fluffy.

10. Club Fair Strategy

Finally, when you attend the club fair, don’t join 10 clubs. It’s tempting to get involved in every activity, but it’s better to focus on a few that genuinely interest you. Balancing the pickle ball club, model UN, FBLA, and aviation, is not possible. Life is all about balance, Libra or not, everyone needs variety in their high school lives with sports, school, AND clubs as the cherry on top. Make sure you keep your priorities straight when it comes to making decisions outside of school time.