Libertyville High School's Lasting Impression

Transitioning from high school to college means meeting different people that have never experienced the same situations or the same environments as you. This is something that's rarely ever touched on during one's high school years because everybody grew up in the same town as you. Everyone has the same teachers, opportunities, and resources available to them. You take in what you're taught without as much of a second thought on how this is supposed to prepare you for college. As a former student at Libertyville High school who just finished their first year on campus a thousand miles away from home, I wanted to share my previous high school experiences and how they prepared me for what was to come after I graduated.

To start off, Libertyville High School is a very exceptional institution. I've visited other high schools, and it's hard to imagine how another school could possibly top this one, especially when it comes to the academic program. Being a student who took all honors and AP classes when they were available, I felt as though I was thoroughly and healthily challenged day in and day out. Again, at this time I'd just assumed that all other schools across the country were doing the exact same things as LHS to teach and prepare their students. It wasn't until I got to college that I realized how far ahead the LHS academic program had put me compared to my peers on campus. Resources like the writing center or MASH had helped me hone my english and mathematics skills to the point where I was easily understanding concepts in college that other students were struggling with. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the rigorous AP classes I had been taking also ended up serving as very clear introductions into college level material.

Moving on to the social aspect of the school, LHS has always looked to include every student in events and celebrations. I was never outgoing as a middle schooler, but in high school I gained many new friends and communication skills just from the constant friendly atmosphere that LHS provided through their football games, school dances, and assemblies. I never saw myself as someone who would be caught up in these gatherings, but by the end of my senior year I had become an extremely confident and outspoken member of the student council. This is something that proved to be very important in college as I immediately was able to make new friends, contact resources, and connect with my professors in a much easier fashion than if I had never been exposed to the LHS environment.

Although just attending LHS is already leaving students very well off for college, the school actually has a college resource center that guides students through their college problems. Whether it be deciding between schools, weighing admission chances, or financial help, the CRC has never failed to satisfy. I remember during my senior year, the most stress free moments were when I was with the CRC advisors as they explained everything to me and helped me get to the school I attend today. When it comes down to it, the residents of Libertyville are extremely lucky to have one of the most admirable schools in the state right at their fingertips. From their flawless college resource center to their talented staff members, there are infinite amounts of character building and lesson learning that's guaranteed to guide graduates through their university experiences.

Allen Liu
Class of 2020