”That kindness might seem small, but it has the power to make someone's week.“
High school is a pivotal time in our lives that shapes every one of us. During these years, we're faced with so many decisions about the kind of person we want to become. While following the crowd can seem like the easier path, I learned during my four years of high school that another path leads to much more fulfillment. I realized I wasn’t created to blend in; instead, I am called to live differently.
Here are four ways you can be different at your school:
1. Have Empathy for People Who Are Different
At school, it’s common to reject what is different. The building becomes a bubble for judgment, and it’s so easy to turn to hurtful words instead of showing compassion. We should put off harsh words and gossip and instead live with kindness and forgiveness. We can lead well by how we treat others, and tearing someone down for a laugh is the opposite of leading well.
2. Pursue Lasting Friendships
The easiest way to fall into unkindness, harsh judgment, or gossip is to surround yourself with bad influences. While we should always be ready to share a kind and uplifting word with others, the friends we go to for advice, encouragement, and accountability should be those who point us in the right direction. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, ‘Bad company corrupts good character,’ but friends who walk alongside us in the right direction are such a gift and a source of love.
3. Say ”Hi“ to Someone Sitting Alone
We have all experienced spotting someone alone and in need of a friend. Chances are, we've been that person ourselves. I encourage you to be the one who takes the first step. Introduce yourself, sit with them, or even invite someone to sit with you. That kindness might seem small, but it has the power to make someone’s week.
4. Share Your Struggles
Whether you're facing difficult circumstances or simply feeling anxious about Friday's exam, you can bring it all to someone who cares about you. Philippians 4:6–7 tells us not to worry, but to bring everything to God in prayer. He promises us peace that protects our hearts and minds. Living this way isn't always easy, but these choices lead to fulfillment through a life lived in Him.
”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“ (Philippians 4:6–7, NIV)
What Carried Me Through High School
In my own life, God has brought me so much guidance and so many encouraging, Christ-loving friends. A passage of Scripture that carried me through high school and still encourages me today is Matthew 6:19–34. In it, Jesus tells us not to place our hope in worldly things or dwell on our worries. Instead, we can trust the God who created and cares for everything. The same God who loves the birds and flowers calls you His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). Have confidence in living out that truth!
Adeline Fontenot is a 2026 graduate of South Jones High School in Ellisville, Mississippi, and a freshman at Mississippi State University. She is a partner at Venture Church’s Jones County Campus in Laurel, Mississippi.
Common Questions About Standing Out in High School
How can I stand out in high school without changing who I am?
You don't have to be the loudest or most popular person to stand out. Showing kindness, choosing good friends, and noticing people who are alone will set you apart more than trying to blend in ever could.
How do I make friends in high school?
Take the first step. Say hi, introduce yourself, or invite someone to sit with you. Something that seems small might make someone's week, and you might find a friend in the process.
What if I'm the one sitting alone?
You’re not the only one. Most of us have been there. Be brave enough to say hi first, and come to something like The MVMNT, where nobody has to earn a seat. That one step changed high school for me.
How do I handle bad influences at school?
Be kind to everyone, but be careful about who you go to for advice. ”Bad company corrupts good character“ (1 Corinthians 15:33, NIV). Peer pressure can show up in unexpected ways, so look for friends who encourage you and hold you accountable. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise” (NIV). Your friends shape who you become, so choose them on purpose.
Where can I find Christian friends in high school?
Getting connected to a group of like-minded students at a church is a great first step. At Venture Church, that’s The MVMNT, on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. Also, ask if your school has Christian organizations, such as FCA or First Priority, on campus.
Next Steps: Find Community
If you want to stand out at your school, a great first step is getting connected with other students who want to live differently, too. The MVMNT is Venture Church's weekly event for 6th–12th-grade students, with games, food, worship, and teaching. Come see what it's like and meet the students in your area!
When: Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
Where: All five Venture Church campuses in South Mississippi:
- The Lincoln Road Campus, 4142 Lincoln Road, Hattiesburg
- The Hunt Club Campus, 1900 N. 31st Ave, Hattiesburg
- The Stone County Campus, 1200 Woodland Drive, Wiggins
- The Gulf Coast Campus, 15521 Oak Lane, Gulfport
- The Jones County Campus, 1915 Bush Dairy Road, Laurel
Related Reading
Feeling the pressure to fit in? Read Peer Pressure in College and High School: Fear of Being Left Out.