A nudge forward from Louisville staff

Hayley Weiser '26

News Page Editor

At some point in our lives, we all need a bit of advice to help keep us on track. While we have plenty of academic support here at Louisville, beyond our amazing college counselors and countless opportunities they provide us to prepare for our careers, we don’t always get enough general advice from our community. Teenage years are filled with pressure from high school, college preparations, parents, personal struggles, finding your strengths and of course, the drama stemming from a social life.

In tough times, a few kind words from our teachers can be a powerful reminder of how incredible we are all doing, no matter how large or small our accomplishments are, whatever our grades may be, no matter who we compare ourselves to and no matter what our strengths and weaknesses are. We are all different, yet we all can apply the same advice to our own lives in different ways.

Advice from Mrs. Barel’s to-do list

Without further ado, I’ve collected some helpful advice from a few of our amazing teachers and staff through some short yet informative interviews.

I asked one impactful question, “What is one general piece of advice you wish you had when you were a teen?”

From our very own Mrs. Barel, we have the piece of advice to not spread yourself so thin with too many activities. Get more sleep and rest and make time to take care of yourself.

Secondly, we have our guidance counselor Mrs. Han, who gave us the advice to never put yourself in a box. Don’t limit your future, because you can never know where life may lead you one day. The world is out there for you to experiment in.

Next up, we have Mrs. Lindner with the advice to practice deepening your overall connection with faith, not particularly in a specific conception of God, but your own spirituality. She also recited a quote she remembered by the author Anne Lamott: “Grace bats last,” referencing an untouchable connection you can create with spirituality.

In addition, Mr. Clark gave the advice to not be afraid to try new things. Within reason, of course. Take advantage of things like meeting new people, trying new classes and joining fun clubs. Don’t be timid or afraid to explore and experience new things.

Last but certainly not least, our vice principal for student life, Mr. Wilson, gave the advice to enjoy the moment you are in, but still plan for the future. It is so important to take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.

Shared advice from Mrs. Han and Mr. Wilson

These are some amazing reminders that academics are not everything a teen should focus on. There is plenty more out there to experience in life and an infinite number of people to meet, but the most important person to get to know is yourself.