When I entered high school as a freshman, I was shy, introverted, and slightly terrified of what the next four years would bring for me. Now that I am a senior and about to graduate in a month, it has become apparent to me how much I have grown as a person throughout high school. These past few years have helped me break out of my shell and prepare me for what is to come in the future. If I had the chance to speak to myself as a freshman and give some advice, this is what I would tell her.

1. It is OK to be different.

Being yourself is the single most freeing thing anyone can do. Trying to be someone else will get you nowhere, and nobody wants to live a lie. If you really want to stand out just be yourself.

2. You never now what someone else is going through.

This is something that has been told to me many times, but never really stuck until I got older. Your words really do have the power to make or break someone’s day. Everyone should go out of their way to be kind, because you truly don’t know what someone else may be going through in their private life.

3. Sometimes, you have to end friendships and move on.

There will come a time in many friendships when both parties know it is time to end the relationship and move on. This is okay; just because the friendship is ending doesn’t mean you can’t sill appreciate all of the good times you had together.

4. It is OK to fail.

Life goes on. You will learn from every mistake you make.

5. Everyone needs a break sometimes.

Taking mental health days is necessary. Missing one homework assignment isn’t going to kill you. Everyone must find a balance between work, play, and rest.

6. Your mom is right more often than you'd think.

Your mother has lived through many of the same struggles you have, and even more. Trust her advice always, as she is the one person in this world who has your best interest at heart no matter what.

7. Trust your gut.

If you have a bad feeling about something, don’t do it. Your friends will forgive you for staying home, and if they don’t they don’t deserve to be called your friends.

8. No boy is more important than your friends.

If you have a boyfriend, you should spend time with him. However, all of your time does not need to be dedicated to one person. This is not healthy for either party of the relationship. Both of you need a break to spend time with your own family and friends.

9. Most of your teachers want to see you succeed.

Although the easiest thing to do is blame your teachers for a bad grade, deep down you know that you could have worked harder. Your teachers do not owe you anything. They should not be expected to raise your grade just because you asked them to.

10. It is fun to make a fool of yourself sometimes.

Looking like you’re too cool to have fun is never fun. However, dancing, singing, laughing, and screaming at the top of your lungs is. These are the moments that you will remember. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

11. You will never have it this easy again.

Do not wish any of these moments away. The freedom, passion, and confidence that young people have can never be recreated.

12. Tests do not measure your true intelligence.

The public school testing system is not set up in a way that measures your true abilities or intelligence, but sometimes you just have to go through the motions.

13. Comparing yourself to others never turns out well.

You are an individual. Your are impossible to replace. Nobody thinks or acts the same way that you do. Remember every day that you are one of a kind.