1. Your parents are always right.
There is something so unbelievably thrilling about breaking the rules. Being a rebellious teenager is just part of growing up, right? Although it was hard to believe at the time, Mom and Dad had a reason for saying no. If they didn't want you to do something, there was a solid explanation behind it. They weren't trying to ruin your fun or your entire life, they just wanted to protect you from doing something that would hurt you. If you didn't take their advice initially, I'm sure you learned they were right the hard way.
2. Popularity really does not matter.
Even though the "in" crowd may not have mimicked the stereotypical high school football jocks and cheerleaders ruling the school, there is always some sort of hierarchy. There are the "cool kids" and then there are people who are cool. Regardless of what your peers in high school thought of you, social status does not mean sh*t in the real world. You can hang out with whomever you want, whenever you want and no one judges you for it. Imagine that. After high school is also when you see who your true friends really are and who is no longer worth your time. As an adult, you no longer hang out with people because you have to, you chill with those that you want to be with. It's actually pretty awesome.
3. SAT scores aren't everything.
If you are a "good test taker," then the SATs were probably a breeze for you. However, others, like myself, are not the best at standardized testing. Today, most schools are SAT optional. Colleges want to see more than just a high grade on an exam. Future employers are also not going to give you sit-down tests. Every day is a test. Putting what you're good at to practice is a test. One test score is not going to determine your entire life.
4. Take risks.
Do something out of your comfort zone. Just because your friends aren't doing it doesn't mean you can't try something new. You don't need your BFF by your side 24/7. Do what interests you. Find your passion.
5. Underage drinking doesn't make you "cool."
There is so much pressure on young teens to go to a party and drink alcohol. Sometimes it may seem like that's the only way to socialize with others. Just because your peers are doing something doesn't mean that you need to partake as well. The drinking age is still 21. Most people in college can't even drink legally. If you do experiment with drinking before the legal age, be safe and smart. If someone is in trouble, call for help. Also, posting images on social media of you "wasted" is not a good look no matter how old you are. If it's on the web, anyone can see it, including future employers.
6. Thank your loved ones.
It can be easy to take advantage of someone who is always there for you. Whether it's your parents, siblings, best friends or significant other, these people are the ones who matter the most to you; let them know that. Thank them for being there during all of your highs and lows. Thank them for always being your biggest supporters. They have seen you at our best and they have seen you at our worst. Let them know how much you really appreciate your relationship with them.
7. You can be in love more than once.
The first person you date will most likely not be your last. High school relationships are great and maybe you can even have the "real thing." However, many high school relationships don't last and there is a reason for that. Once you go to college, you are maturing and figuring out who you are as an adult. Someone you met when you were 16 might not be the same person you want to date as you grow older. It's OK to admit that and move on. Don't be trapped in a crappy relationship. You deserve the best and you deserve a person who will grow with you and be your biggest fan, not someone who is going to hold you back.
8. Learn from your mistakes. Don't let them define you.
Nobody is perfect; you are bound to make mistakes. Don't regret something that once made you happy. Mistakes have the power to turn you into the best person you can be, learn from them.
9. Don't hold grudges.
Forgive people. Move on and don't be hung up on something that happened a long time ago or someone who does not matter to you anymore. Grudges are a waste of peace and happiness. Apologize when you are in the wrong and let go of what you don't have control over and what you cannot change.
10. Appreciate the little things.
Some of your best days will come when you least expect it. Acknowledge the simple things that make you happy. Unfortunately, we do not realize the value of something until it's in the past.
11. Stop judging people and gossiping about them.
Who cares who does what and why? Worry about yourself. Every person has a reason for the way that they are. Don't let another person's actions impact the way you see the world.
12. Be honest.
Cut the bullsh*t. Be open with the people around you. You are not protecting someone by being fake. Lying to someone will hurt them more than truth will. You cannot build any type of relationship without honesty. If something is bothering you, confront that person instead of talking about the problem behind their back.
13. Don't rush life; enjoy it.
Live life in the moment, literally. Stop trying to grow up. There is a time and place for everything. Your future is important but so is the present. Thinking about tomorrow doesn't determine how you feel today. Everything will always work itself out so enjoy today while it's still at your fingertips.
