My past four years at ETHS have been a great experience. While I can barely recognize the person I was four years ago, it also feels like just yesterday that I took my seat in my first high school class.
In conversations with my classmates over the years, many have expressed a desire to leave ETHS — a feeling I share — but several have also said that ETHS has nothing to offer, that it’s boring, and that there is limited support. I think this is completely untrue.
As I reflect on my time here, I’ve thought of many things I wish I could tell my freshman self. I’ve narrowed it down to four important areas, focusing on resources ETHS offers that are often underutilized, including by me.
The Staff
Throughout my time at ETHS, I had a wide variety of teachers with many different teaching styles. There were a few I’d sometimes complain about at lunch with friends, but honestly, they all helped prepare me for my post-high school plans. The staff outside the classroom had an even greater impact: the smiling faces greeting you at the door, the fist bumps to lift your mood, the encouragement to get to class and work hard. Coaches, sponsors, and advisors nurture our true passions. The teachers and staff are the beating heart of this place. The safety, hub, library, and administrative staff are especially underappreciated but vitally important. I encourage all underclassmen to prioritize getting to know at least three staff members well. Get them in your corner — they are supportive, kind, patient, and truly want to help you succeed.
Physical and Mental Health Support
I wish I had taken more advantage of the physical and mental health supports that ETHS offers. The in-house clinics provide full physical check-ups and medical care. One year, when I couldn’t schedule a check-up with my pediatrician in time for sports season, I booked a next-day appointment at the ETHS Health Center and received excellent care. ETHS also provides athletic training support to help prevent and heal injuries. These resources are open daily and ready for student use. Additionally, the Athletics Department sponsors mental health support and talking circles for athletes — a resource I only learned about late in my time here. These services are underutilized, and I encourage all students to take advantage of them.
Counseling
At first, I thought ETHS counseling was one of the weaker parts of the experience. A couple of short meetings per year didn’t feel like enough to build a real connection. It often felt like I got lost in the shuffle. However, during my last two years, I learned that it’s up to us as students to reach out and get to know our counselors. Email them, schedule meetings beyond the required ones, and meet with post-high school counselors early — ideally by the middle of junior year, if not earlier. They can offer invaluable advice about college, trade, military, and career paths. Their support helped me a lot once I sought it out, and I only wish I had done so sooner.
Activities
ETHS is known for its vast range of sports and activities, and the sheer number of opportunities is astounding. It may seem overwhelming at first, but I highly encourage all students to get involved early. It’s much harder to build a record of involvement starting late in high school. Colleges and employers want to see consistent involvement and real passion. ETHS is a great place to discover what your passions truly are. For me, community service activities were especially important — service has been as valuable a classroom as any other at ETHS. Thankfully, the Community Service Office, Student Activities, and many clubs and teams offer plenty of ways to get involved and give back.
While I am eager to move on and start my freshman year at Spelman College, I will miss many things about ETHS and truly appreciate the opportunities I’ve had during my four years here. It feels odd to think that very soon I’ll no longer be a student but an ETHS alum.
