Middle school and high school always get the best of you. Am I right? We all thrived on the drama that fueled the best lunch conversations. We passed notes even though we knew the consequences. We let too many people make us feel like the gum on the bottom of their shoe. And our biggest fear was sitting alone at lunch.

Maybe it's just me, but I needed those kicks in the butt. I needed those challenges to help me understand how people should act and why you should think about what you say.

But if I had a conversation with my younger self, this is what I would say:

1. Say no!

I was born into a family of people pleasers. We sacrifice our happiness for everyone else's. It wasn't something we all decided to become, it just happened. With that being said, my family is the most loyal, respectful, and "take the shirt off my back" kind of people. It's just that it can bite you in the butt.

2. Calm Down

I had a mind that ran a million miles a minute. I was always thinking about what was going to happen next. I wish I would've enjoyed the time that I didn't have a rent payment, a budget for groceries, or learn how to cook because take-out gets expensive.

3. He/She Isn't Worth It

Whether it's a friend or girlfriend/boyfriend who said all the right things. Stop giving up your own happiness to please someone else. In the end, you are handing them the knife to stab you in the back.

4. A shirt from Hollister isn't going to fix your problems.

Who else had graphic tees from Hollister? The bird logo that made the $35 purchase totally reasonable. I begged for a shirt from Hollister for my birthday. My mom thought it was ridiculous to spend $35 on a shirt that would shred in the washer. She was right. Instant regret.

5. Low-Rise Jeans are not your friend. Accept it.

Anyone else hated their life when low-rise jeans became a trend? Every minute you were either yanking them up or pulling down your shirt to cover your backend so no one could see your underwear.

6. Cool it on the eyeliner

Why is eyeliner the first makeup product every girl touches? The thick black line above and under your eye isn't fitting to anyone. Hold the makeup until those bags under your eyes start appearing.

7. Be nice to your parents

Moms and Dads know best. My 13-year-old self would hate that I'm admitting this. You don't always have to prove them wrong or argue. In the long run, you're going to be glad they wouldn't let you go to that friend's house.

8. Don't strive to be popular

I don't know why this trend never goes away. The popular kids never went anywhere with life. Be unpopular and pursue a dream that will lead to happiness rather than popularity.

9. It's okay to cry

Remember when hormones kicked in and you could cry at the drop of a hat? Where are my ladies at? You never know why the tears are flowing, but you don't know how to stop them. I wish I would've known that crying means releasing what's bothering you. Plus, I've heard that crying can reduce bags under your eyes. So let the tears flow!

10. You can't succeed without studying

This is definitely one tip I would've never listened to you. I went to college not knowing how to "study". I passed my high school classes because I completed the work and paid attention in class. I craved sleep, so staying up late at night studying for a test was not an option for me. Being smart will get you a lot farther than just "getting by".