When you are a teenager, especially a young teenager, all you want to do is grow up as fast as you can. Be old enough to see rated R movies, old enough to go places by yourself without a parent or guardian signature, old enough to go to bars. We rush and rush, and we are so busy complaining about all the "terrible" things in our lives and all our restrictions, that we almost do not notice how absolutely awesome it is to be 15 years old... or 14, or 13, or even 17 or 18 years old. And then all of a sudden you are 21 and officially a rule-free grown-up (that is, unless you want to rent a car). Do not get me wrong, it is awesome to be able to do everything and anything, but there are always certain things we wish we had not taken for granted when we were 15 and all the rules still applied.
We learn these hard life lessons as we get older, and slowly, very slowly, we realize that maybe, just maybe, we should have appreciated 15 a little more (and complained a little less).
So no, it was not the worst day of your life, the world was not going to end, they were not the meanest person ever, and certain things really are more important to enjoy than others are to worry about. And you can wait until you are finally old enough.
Here are some things I wish I had known at 15:
1. Vegetables will become a luxury... an expensive luxury.
When the dining hall has served pasta four days in a row, you really start to crave a carrot or two.
2. No one cared that you went shopping with your mom.
And honestly it means she pays for your clothes.
3. Your caring friends are going to last way longer than your fun friends.
It does not matter how much "fun" someone is if they do not care about you.
4. The nice guys are way better than the cool guys.
See number three.
5. Your parents were right way more than you thought.
They have been around a lot longer than you, and that might make them old, but that also means they have probably experienced whatever it is you are going through.
6. Sleep will become one of the best things you can do.
If you have time for a nap in college, I promise it will be a good day.
7. No one is going to remember that you didn't make that winning goal.
It may seem like the world is ending and no one will ever forget it, but I promise you are thinking of it way more than anyone else. They have their own lives to focus on.
8. You actually are not always right, and listening to other people will help you a lot. Ask for help when you need it.
You might think you know everything, but other people have different experiences and different insight, and listening to what they have to say could help you a lot, so why not listen?
9. That boy who dumped you isn't necessarily evil, he just was not the one for you.
Sometimes it seems like he is the meanest guy in the world, but everyone can be mean, and it does not mean that he is mean to everyone or that he is inherently evil. You will find someone perfect for you, and so will he.
10. Appreciate someone doing your laundry for you.
There will come a time when you have to do it yourself, and four flights of stairs and an hour and a half later, you will be grateful for when your mother helped you with it.
11. People you trust with your life are going to betray you, you have to learn to trust again.
We are people and we make mistakes. Some things can not be forgiven, but others can. You must think about your values when the time comes.
12. Grades matter, but that one grade doesn't.
School is very important, it is something you should take very seriously, but if you get one bad grade you are still going to get into college and the world is not going to end.
13. Listening is a huge skill - people love to talk.
People will love and cherish you if you listen to them. And there is a lot to learn if you listen well.
14. You will eventually want to stay in school as long as possible.
The real world is scary, dude, stay in school.
15. Growing up is fun, but being a kid is more fun. Enjoy every moment.
As you get older, you may have more privileges, but they are attached to a lot of responsibility. Being a care free kid will be over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts, and do not rush it! There will be plenty of time to be an adult later!
