My little sister receently turned 15. With a 7-year age gap between us, it can be hard to relate to each other. She's more of a 5SOS fan, while I still love One Direction. She goes to premieres like "The Hunger Games" at 8 p.m. Back in the day, I had to plead with my parents to stay up for the midnight showing of "Harry Potter" because that was when movies premiered. To her, I'm an old fart. But the truth is, I know what it is like to be too cool for school. I know what it is like to be 15 and think that the only thing that matters is getting the attention of that cute boy in your science class. When I was 15, Taylor Swift had just come out with the song "Fifteen," and I thought it was the sh*t. As I look back, the song still holds true because there is so much I didn't know at 15. So to my little sister: Count to 10, take it in, this is life before you know who you're gonna be, and this is what I didn't know at 15.
1. You should make the most out of your high school sports.
Sports were where I had my best memories. You get to find something you are passionate about and meet people who are passionate about the same thing. You get to work hard, see results, and stay fit. In college, people become busy, and it becomes harder to balance athletics with school. Take advantage of your time in high school and work hard. This is a time in your life when you will be in great shape and can do great things. Put your heart into your sport and stick with it, even on the days when it seems tiresome.
2. Aim high.
You are smarter than you think. Don't set low expectations. You'll learn when you are older that the things you thought you couldn't do—pass that math test, make that free throw, get into that college—you actually could do. So put your mind to it and accomplish that goal.
3. Your mom is right.
Moms are very wise. They've been through almost everything that we have. As much as we like to think we are too cool for them, we aren't. We need their advice, their support and most importantly their love. So when Mom tells you that you shouldn't stay up till 3 a.m., get some sleep.
4. That boy isn't worth it.
What T. Swift said was true: You will do things in your life greater than dating the boy on the football team. You'll do much greater things than dating any boy, for that matter. You are worth so much more than throwing away everything for a boy just because he is "hot." Wait for someone who loves you. You'll be happy you did.
5. Another guy will come along.
You will get a broken heart sometime in high school. And it will hurt like hell. But then you'll move on and you'll meet someone else. Throughout high school, there were several guys I was convinced were the one. Seven years later, I realize how wrong I was.
6. The school dances are always drama, but you should still go.
School dances are crazy. You spend months planning, finding the perfect dress and date, just for a night of regret. Someone always breaks up, someone always loses their V card, and sometimes crazy things even happen like the police showing up and telling the crowd to evacuate because there is a bomb in the building (shout out to "Bomb Prom 2012" at Armstrong High School). But the dances always come with memories. All of my college friends know my crazy dance stories, and I still have my prom dress. Also, getting ready with your girlfriends is always a blast, as well as the after parties. So go to the dances, and while later on you'll say you regret going, secretly you'll be glad you went.
7. Friends are really important.
Friends come and go in high school. But you need them around. Don't hold grudges, remember that your friends also don't have it figured out. Have fun and be there for one another. College comes quickly, so spend time with your high school friends while you can. They are there for you during your awkward phases after all.
8. It's okay not to have it figured out.
You're only 15 after all. I'm almost 22, and I still live a pretty clueless life. But I have a better grip on who I am now than when I was 15. You'll figure things out in time.
9. Be a nerd.
If you like something, then own it. Do what makes you happy. If the popular kids say it's lame, then screw em'. It's better to to be happy doing what you love than to try too hard to fit in and end up having a shitty time anyway. Embrace your inner nerd.
10. Don't take anything too seriously.
If you get a bad grade, the world won't end. If you spill on your shirt during lunch, the world won't end. Take life with a grain of salt and just live in the moment. Be silly, have fun, and take pictures.
11. Family time is just as important as time with friends.
As a high schooler, I spent so many family gatherings pouting because I was missing out on going to a party or hanging out with friends. The truth is, you can always hang out with friends. Grandparents, aunts, and cousins always treasure the time you spend with them. Have fun and enjoy your family. They are the ones who will always be there for you while friends come and go.
12. It's okay to cry.
High school is stressful. It's okay to let the tears out. You aren't weak for crying, you're actually strong for admitting you can't handle everything.
13. Ask for advice.
If you need help, ask. Whether it be homework, boy drama, or other life questions, others have been through the same experiences. As a big sister, I want to help. I won't make fun of you for your problems, so matter how small they may seem.
14. Look at all the colleges.
Deciding where to go for college is a big decision. Don't rush it. Look at multiple options, even if you think you want to go to a large public school. Look at small schools. Look at private schools. Don't rule out anything. You never know what may be for you. I wanted to get away so badly that I didn't take time to realize I might be better off at a school closer to home.
15. Don't wish the time away.
Time goes by really fast. Take it all in.
Fifteen is an exciting and scary age. I can relate to Taylor Swift so much: "When all you wanted was to be wanted, wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now." But, truthfully, if I could go back and tell myself what I know now, I would miss out on learning so much through experiences. I think making mistakes makes you into the person you are supposed to be. So to my sister: Take my advice, or don't. But at the end of the day, know that I am here for you, because you have a long road ahead of you—and even though you feel really mature right now, you are still young. Enjoy everything life has to offer and have fun doing so. You are capable of so much. Go out and be you.
