I'll be the first to say that high school was not as smooth sailing as I would hope it would be. Even though those 4 years were a struggle, I have to admit there's nothing I would change and I appreciate the time I had there. I overcame obstacles, made friends, cried a river and laughed hard. If I could go back in time though and tell myself a few things, I would. Looking back I see that I stood in the way of my own success and happiness, so here's some advice I would spare myself (and any current high schooler) if I had the chance.
1. Don't be in such a rush to graduate.
I mean it. I know it seems like the days couldn't be longer and that you can't wait to leave these people but SLOW DOWN. It might not seem like it as a second semester senior, but you will miss this time in your life. You'll realize just how easy somethings were and how much fun you actually had. You'll never see most of these people in your life again, which can be a good thing, but the happy memories you made in high school you will miss. Enjoy being this young for as long as you can.
2. Worry about your grades.
I can't stress this enough. Whoever gave you the idea that grades don't matter in high school, or don't matter until junior year, is a horrible person and should never be trusted. Bad grades will come back to haunt you when you need your transcript printed and sent to colleges or on resumes. Take the time to have fun but also take the time to be a good student. It gets harder in college, so take this stuff seriously while you can. You'll thank yourself in the long run.
3. Don't stress too much about that one guy.
You won't care in a year, let alone remember his name in five years. There is literally no reason to stress. This crush you have will not define you, or your years in high school. And if this crush turns into heart break, it's really important to remember that that won't define it either. In high school, that pain seems all consuming and intense, but you'll look back and laugh and have a learning experience. Shake it off, move on, and focus on yourself.
4. Prom is overrated BUT enjoy it!
Prom seems so important and life defining at the time, until it happens and it's over. If it was as magical and spectacular as it seems in the movies, the world would be perfect. Even though its played up, you should go and try to enjoy it. This is the last time you will be surrounded by these people and the last time to have fun without real responsibilities. Plus it's fun to dress up, and it seems like an essential passage. Have a great time, make memories, and dance the night away!
5. The world is not actually ending.
Trust me. Even though every little thing makes you crumble and leaves your chest feeling heavy, you're going to be okay. You won't remember what made you cry in the bathroom sophomore year during 3rd period that one Tuesday in April. Sometimes I look back and forget why I had such a miserable time in school. Wait a month or two and you'll start to realize that most things seem overwhelming, until time heals it. Take a deep breath and cope. You can do it.
6. Take it easy with the makeup.
No matter what you're going to cringe when you see old pictures. But do yourself a favor and don't go too crazy with the makeup freshman year to seem "cool" or to fit in. Plus, think of all the money you'll save for food or concerts if you hold back. I'm doing you a huge favor right now, believe me. You're welcome.
7. Make mistakes, but grow from them.
Going back to #5, the world is not ending. Even though you'll make mistakes that seem too big to be forgiven for, or too horrible to move on from, at least you'll grow from them. Everything you do now is a great learning experience. Over the years you'll mature and you'll know how to avoid future mistakes and heartache. Trust me, everyone else around you will also move on, even if their whispers fill the hallways now.
8. Take pictures and videos.
I wish I took this more seriously. I took a few, but when I look back I wish I had more. Time will pass after graduation and you won't believe all the crazy things you used to do with your friends. Or how fun that one homeroom was. Or how happy you were during that one game. These pictures and videos will be the only thing linking you to your young, wild, and free days. Cherish each moment!
9. Do your homework. I mean it.
As I said before, grades matter. Putting your best foot forward will not only be rewarding, but will help school go by more smoothly. This is the last time homework will be relatively easy, so take advantage of it. This will not only help you and your GPA out, but it'll help build a good relationship between you and your teachers. Which you might need later on if you fail something, need help, or even need to get away with missing too many classes.
10. Being "popular" should not be your goal.
Your social status in high school is beyond irrelevant once you graduate. No one is going to care if you went to crazy parties or if you stayed in on Saturdays in the real world. Its quite frustrating actually when you look back and see all your wasted time and tears. And besides, most of the time the people you wish you were friends with turn out to be complete loser. Or you end up with a better friend group in the long run, you know the kind that doesn't care about your Instagram likes but cares about your well being.
11. Go ahead and take those mental health days.
Taking some time for yourself is important. Especially in high school, when emotions are at an all time high and your confidence is at an all time low. Sometimes you need to take a day or two off school to catch up on some work, rest up, and take a breather. High school is intense when you're in it, so it's understandable that you need a break every once in a while. Don't take these days for granted but also don't abuse the power of skipping school.
12. Go out to functions, get involved.
I love staying in with Netflix as much as the next person but I wish I got more involved when I was in school. Join a club, go to a game, anything. Take full advantage of your time in high school, you don't know how much fun you could be missing. Or you might not meet a potential best friend. Or worst of all, you won't grow and learn. You might have a miserable time, but at least you know it wasn't for you. Imagine looking back and thinking "what if?"
13. Stop taking things personally.
Someone doesn't like you? It's okay. Your parent's won't let you out tonight? It's okay. Someone gets something you want? It's okay. The world doesn't always work out in our favor, but it's not the universe's intention to destroy you. Not everything is targeted against you, and it's normal and perfectly okay to take some L's every once in a while. Again, you won't even remember most of the pain you went through during high school. Shake it off. :)
14. Remember to take care of yourself.
Refer to #11. Don't bury your needs under trying to please everyone around you. Go ahead, be concerned with your family, friends, and grades, but don't oversee yourself! If you're not feeling well, mentally or physically, take care of it because you deserve it. You're not insane, annoying, or emotional, sometimes you need some taking care of. You're still young and a teenager after all.
15. High school does end.
It seems like it never will, but it does. You don't even realize just how fast time is flying until there you are, at your graduation with your cap and gown, wondering how this happened. One of the most surreal days of my life, but it happened. Life outside of the walls you've known for 4 years exists and is ready to take you in. Soak it all in and make the absolute best out of it.
