1. Spend time with your family.
They are the only guaranteed constant. You will regret not spending time with them; you never know when you'll see them again.
2. School is important, and so are your grades.
Yes, school matters, study. Your future depends on it, no matter how much you hate school, just do it.
3. Enjoy your youth.
You will never get those times back; this is your time to do things that adults could never get away with. Be silly, have fun. You will never be as young as you are right now — take advantage of that. Stop wishing you were older because "all the older kids get to do the fun stuff."
4. Be nice.
To everyone, just be nice. Once you're mean, there is no going back. You never know exactly how your words will change someone's day. Treat others well and others will treat you well.
5. Being a virgin is not a bad thing.
Embrace it. Don't lose your virginity to some rando because all your friends are having sex or for the sake of just losing your virginity; once it's gone, it's gone for good. Sex is more special than people say, make sure you save it for the right person. Being a "virgin" is just a word, not a curse or label.
6. That boy is nothing special.
Rarely does your middle school crush or high school sweetheart become your forever. Be yourself, and he will like you for you, but he is nothing special, I promise.
7. Enjoy "me" time.
Sometimes "me" time is the best time. You are able to unwind and just relax. Think about things that you can't think about with others around.
8. It is OK to be picky when it comes to choosing your friends.
Not everyone is meant to be your friend. You're not meant to be everyone's friend. Choose wisely, and if someone is making you feel bad, cut them off. Friendship is a two-way street, and sometimes that street needs to be closed down.
9. It's just a pimple.
Pimples happen, don't put makeup on it. Just let it go away on its own; pimples are a part of life, and everyone gets them.
10. Hand-me-downs are the best.
You don't need designer clothes; you don't have to wear what is "in." If your sibling gives you hand-me-downs, take them! It's a gift, trust me; they are trusting you with something that was once their prized possession.
11. It's not important to be "popular."
When you get out in the real world no one will care if you were "popular" or not in high school. You will find where you fit in, don't change to fit in where you don't belong; you won't be happy in the end.
12. Don't listen to what the bullies say.
They don't know your worth; you are important. Don't listen to them. No one has the right to tell you how or who you are — embrace yourself.
13. If you aren't happy, it's not the end.
Believe me when I say it — it is not the end. Just because you are not happy does not mean that it is the end. Life is supposed to be a roller coaster of emotion, but no roller coaster ends on a downer, only upper.
14. If you love someone, tell them.
You never know when you'll see them again. Don't be afraid to say it. Love is a strong word, but if you love someone tell them, they will appreciate it.
15. Take risks.
Ask your crush out. Go to your school dance without a date. Try food you've never had before. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Just have fun.
16. Your parents only want what's best.
Not only do they know what is best for you, but they want what is best for you. When they tell you to wear sunscreen, wear sunscreen. Don't be embarrassed to hug or kiss your parents in public. They are always looking out for what is best for you, trying to guide you in the right way. They love you unconditionally.
17. Love yourself.
The key to success is self-confidence. Love yourself — don't stand in front of the mirror wishing you looked different, because there is someone out there who wishes they looked like you.
