Looking Back: Students Reflect on High School

We asked students to reflect on their high school experiences, and give tips to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth who will be entering high school.

Dee Grossman is a senior at Hollywood Hills High School in Hollywood, FL. Things are getting better, but they still are not perfect. When an LGBT youth enters high school, they should try to build a good support team--like friends, teachers, or guidance counselors--who can help them with any issues that may come up. Also joining the GSA, and if there isn't one, starting their own. [Remember], you will always have to deal with some form of ignorance whether it is in school, in the work place, or anywhere else. The most important thing to remember is that you do have places to go, people to talk to. You can't be responsible for other people’s ignorance, but you can do your best to educate. Don't let those who don't deserve you get the best of you. If I could've done one thing differently, it would've been to start sooner. I waited until my senior year to become an advocate for LGBT youth... I only wish I could've done more within the school system. High school is when you "find yourself." You make those finishing touches and you mature so much. Look forward to this time, and if you build the proper allies right up front, you can have more fun than you would ever realize was possible.

GLSEN National Board member Erik Stegman is a first-year at Whittier College in Los Angeles. He is from Seattle,WA. As you make the move to high school you’ll realize that learning and growing as an individual goes far beyond the classroom. Although you’ll face a lot of challenges, the most important thing to remember is that you’re all in the same boat. For every person who doesn’t understand you, there is always someone there who knows exactly where you’re coming from. High school is a critical point in everyone’s development, which also means that it’s a great place to start changing minds and attitudes! The most important lesson that I learned in high school was the value of a mentor. It’s important to have someone whom you can look up to. Especially if you’re a youth leader of a GSA, you’ll want to have someone who can guide you along the right path and be there when you need them. Mentors can be a tremendous asset when you’re struggling with the hard issues of high school life, including LGBT discrimination. If I had high school to live over again I would have definitely worked on being more inclusive of others. When you go through the coming out process it’s really easy to fall into our own discrimination. Suddenly, we often find ourselves excluding some of our best friends and allies because they’re straight, religious, etc. Remember, as hard as it is to deal with the challenges that come along with being an LGBT leader in your high school, there will always be a family of peers, faculty and staff there to support you from a diversity of backgrounds.

Eric Checkers Hernandez is a junior at California State University, Northridge. He is from Whittier, CA. LGBT youth should learn about which laws are set up to protect them before entering into high school, That way, they know how to handle incidents in which those right may be violated either in cases of verbal or physical harassment or attacks. Students should know that if they feel that they have been discriminated because of who they are, they can and should seek some assistance. Throughout high school, and well into my college education, I have learned and realized that the structures that divides and separate people--by means of class, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc,--begin as early as grade school and continues to present themselves in other areas of adult life. The main thing [to do to change things] is helping to create a society in which we advance without oppressing others. Don’t try to be somebody that you are not [just to fit in]. Youth should look forward to high school as a time in which they can fully develop a sense of themselves and be proud of who they are, regardless what others may think or say about them.

Mayumi Worgotter a senior at South Plantation High School in Plantation, FL. I think the biggest thing that all youth should consider when entering high school is the diversity they are being thrust into. There are so many different races, cultures, and sexual [orientation and gender] identities that it is easy to get lost along the way. Be true to yourself and be proud of who you are and what you represent. I have learned quite a few things that I feel are important, and not just academically. I have learned how important it is to stand up and fight for your rights and beliefs. It is so important to maintain a clear head about who you are and what you believe—if you plan to keep your sanity. In the end, it is those values and beliefs that will stay with you and no one can take them away. I wouldn’t change much because I am very proud of all I have accomplished. But I do wish I had started sooner. I didn’t establish my gay-straight alliance until I was a junior. If I had known what a difference I could have made earlier, I definitely would have. The best thing high school has to offer is experience. Through all the mistakes, mess ups, and mishaps, stop and think that this is going to make you who you are. All the trials you put yourself through will make you stronger and reaffirm what is true to you. Just make sure you’re friends with the person you've become.