High school is the time when we build strong relationships with others and continue to develop our academic and social capabilities. It is the foundation that gives us the tools we need to make good, healthy, and informed decisions that can strongly influence our futures. As an editorial board, we believe that success is built upon healthy choices, which starts with students having the courage to decide what genuinely benefits them.
Part of healthy decision-making involves selecting classes that are right for each student. Every student should know their own boundaries and take them into consideration when choosing a future course, rather than allowing peer pressure to funnel them into honors or AP versions of core classes. Although selecting classes can be an intimidating task, getting insight from others who have experience with the course and thinking critically about your strengths can lead to an academic experience that is built around your needs and interests instead of the pressures from other students. At the same time, students have numerous electives to choose from, and should consider their own interests or try something new when selecting those classes instead of basing their choices on their friends’ selections. When this happens, students miss out on the opportunity to further discover what they’re passionate about. TPH’s new course selection guide gives students insight into the rigor and time demand of each class which gives students the opportunity to make healthy decisions and explore what electives they are interested in and select classes that they feel they can be successful in.
Healthy decision-making also extends to relationships. At a time when students are having many “firsts”, it’s important for them to make the right choices, ones that allow them to thrive. Events like the Consent Assembly highlight the importance of making good decisions: respecting others’ wants, needs, and personal space as well as respecting our own boundaries.
As high school students, it is the time for us to think critically about how our decisions can have an impact on our futures and others. Quick, uninformed decisions like driving under the influence can lead to major consequences and it’s not worth it to take that risk. It may feel like we’ve matured completely, but there are always adults and peers around us to help make difficult decisions when we need support. In order to create an environment where we all are healthier, we need to be willing to help each other, be honest with each other, and know that this will help us make better choices for our future selves.
Sincerely, the 2025-26 editorial board.
