With two years of college under my belt, I often think about how much I have changed since moving away from home and starting a new journey in a new place. Looking back, here are a few things I wish I would have known in high school.
1. Real friends stay in touch.
It is amazing how easy it is to get caught up in your own world when you are far away from the friends you grew up with, but somehow no matter how long its been, you can pick up the phone and talk for hours. There are friends you will make in high school that will be yours forever, and there will be some that won't and that is okay.
2. If you don't have a boyfriend, it's not the end of the world.
Ever since i was 15, i have been an avid user of the phrase " being forever alone," and that is CRAZY. Having a boyfriend in high school is a great time but isn't everything. In that stage of life it is almost impossible to know who you are as a person, let alone to open up to someone else. Allow yourself to make friends and grow as person, forget trying to have a "goals" relationship to put all over Instagram.
3. Fearlessly be yourself.
I was so worried about what everyone thought about me in high school. From what I wore to how I did my hair. Sure, it is so easy to want to conform and fit in with everyone, but that is not what defines who you are in this world. The unique you is what gives you love, leads to opportunities and builds friendships with genuine people who want to spend time with you. Being "cool" won't matter in four years, which leads me to my next point...
4. There are people who peak in high school.
We have all seen them. The people who bullied and put down everyone in high school, posting things on social media to make it seem as if they have this picture-perfect life. Delete these people off your Facebook and shoot them an unfollow on Twitter, you shouldn't have to associate negative people with any chapter of your life.
5. The best days are ahead of yo.u
My favorite point of all time. In high school, you think about your future and planning where you want to go and where you want to be. Well we can't. The future ahead is filled with new friendships, love and amazing opportunities. Saying goodbye to any chapter of life can be hard, but there should be no sadness. There is a beautiful life planned ahead of you.
6. Appreciate everything your parents do.
After leaving home, I realized there are so many little things that my parents did for me that I took for granted. From doing my laundry, making me dinner and helping me with homework my parents were there for me every step of the way and the great thing is is that it does not stop once you leave. Tell your parents, " Thank you".
7. Some people never change.
Some people like to come in and out of your life. It's your decision whether or not they have a spot in it.
8. Take in the little things.
I am not going to say, go to every football game or homecoming dance because honestly two years later I don't remember some of those things. But life is all about being present in the moment and having a positive presence that people will remember.
9. Be thankful for the teachers that have made an impact on your life.
After graduating, I became friends with a handful of teachers on Facebook that had an impact during my time in high school. What I did not realize in high school, is how much their teachings would carry over into my college experiences. The cool thing about connecting with these people after high school is seeing the lives they live with their children, families, and how they are constantly making an impact on the people around them. Of course this isn't always the case, but learning to deal with people we don't necessarily see eye-to-eye with is beneficial because every one in the world is different...
10. Embrace others for who they are, no matter how hard it is.
In my high school, everyone was pretty much from the same background. Since coming to college I have met so many diverse people that have opened my eyes to seeing aspects of life in an aray of different lights. I think its important to appreciate the differences between you and the person next to you. In life there are so many people we will meet. Having an open mind and heart allows for more understanding in the world.
