At 14, I chose a high school based on my interests at the time. I regretted it for years.

The author, pictured during a high school theater performance, wasn't sure if she had chosen the right high school to attend for many years.

Courtesy of Nicole Benedettini.

• In San Marino, students must choose which high school path they will follow around age 14.
• I went against the suggestions of my junior high teachers and decided to pursue my own interests.
• For years, I was worried that I had made the wrong choice.

"The scientific lyceum would be the perfect fit for you," my math teacher said.