In the last few days of my senior year, I have been doing a lot of reflecting.

I have reflected not only on this year but all of my years of high school. I have learned so many lessons since I was a fourteen-year-old starting my freshman year. These lessons culminate from all different aspects of life, and they are all pieces of advice that I wish I would have known as a freshman. They all come from experiences that I have dealt with throughout the last four years.

So, here is my list of 10 things that I wish I would have known as a high school freshman:

1. Get involved; go out for something.

You will meet a lot of different people from a lot of different grades. As a senior, I love meeting new people, especially the underclassmen. The more that you are involved, the better experience you will have in high school. I promise. Also, you will be less likely to get in trouble because you will have teammates and coaches there to help you.

2. Don’t be afraid to not do sports.

I am not an athlete and I will readily admit that. But that doesn’t mean that I am not involved. I am a part of eight or so clubs. Do what you enjoy, not what your friends want to do. You are no less of a person if you are not athletic and don’t do sports. It takes just as much effort to be in other clubs.

3. Support your peers.

Go to your peer's events just as much as you go to sporting events. Support your friends at the musical or in a trial. But go to the sports events too. All of your peers are working hard in whatever they are doing. Support them.

4. Get to know your teachers.

Though it may not seem like it, they are people too. They have families and hobbies. Talk to them and see what you have in common- you may be surprised. The more you know about them, the more they know about you. And the more that they know about you, the more likely that they will be lenient with a late assignment here and there.

5. Girls, don’t let boys steal your happiness.

I have a lot of friends who went through heartbreak in high school. While that’s normal, they let boys run their lives. The never did anything for themselves. Learn to be your own person.

6. Be independent.

This goes right along with the piece of advice above. You are a strong, independent human who does not need anyone to make them happy. How can you be a happy person on your own if your source of happiness comes from someone else?

7. Decide what you believe in.

This is so important. You have to decide what you believe in. Not what your friends believe, not what your parents believe, what you believe. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are wrong, or that you don’t believe the right thing.

8. Don't take yourself so seriously.

Have fun! High school is all about having new experiences and learning new things. If you always have a stick up your butt and can't let loose and try new things, life and high school will be super boring. I'm not saying to go out and party or anything, but have a nice night in with friends, it will make life more bearable. Make it a point to laugh at yourself everyday.

9. Stay away from drama.

If there is one piece of advice that you take from this list, make it this one. Drama seems to be the name of the game in high school, but I promise you, you can avoid it. Don't be snoopy and up in everyone else's business. Do your own thing and leave others alone if you don't like them. Live and let live.

10. Don't blink.

Your time in high school goes so fast. It seems like it was yesterday that I was a freshman, and I will be graduating in a few short days. Don't ever take any experiences for granted. Do everything! Make memories! Don't get ahead of yourself. High school is a roller coaster, but enjoy the ride.