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20 Things I'd tell the 13-year-old girl growing into a young woman

I've learned so much about myself over the years.

Kaitlyn Ball

Jun 25, 2018

The Ohio State University

105

20 Things I'd tell the 13-year-old girl growing into a young woman

Photo by Dasha Shashina on Unsplash

At some point, it seems like every person struggles with identity, friendships, relationships, and self-love. During my teenage years, I faced difficulties that I have gotten through, some with a limited amount of strength. Lately, I have been reflecting back on my years in middle and high school, and there's so much I would change knowing what I know now. If I was able to go back and redo these years, when problems were heightened, I would tell myself these twenty things:

1. People like having you around.

2. You have value.

3. Do more of what makes you happy.

4. He’s not worth your tears or your time.

5. You will find friends who truly love you for who you are.

6. Don’t give up on your passion.

7. Actually live your life; don’t just be alive.

8. It’s okay to put yourself first.

9. You are not a waste of space by any means.

10. Eating one more bowl of ice cream won’t hurt you.

11. Talk to people, and reach out for help.

12. Don’t be afraid to be your true self.

13. Confrontation can be scary, but sometimes it needs to happen.

14. Cut the toxic people from your life because you deserve to live a life full of happiness and positivity.

15. Do something bold.

16. Know that you’re destined to do great things. Finding your place takes time.

17. Never lose sight of your dreams.

18. It’s okay if you have days where you don’t feel like being the "bubbly and optimistic" girl.

19. It isn’t selfish to do things for self-love and self-care.

20. You are worthy, and never let anyone tell you differently.

I still adhere to this list today. Being a teenager, I struggled with many issues, some of which are not yet completely resolved. However, with the right mindset and constant determination, I am on the right path to becoming the person I have always imagined myself being. At sixteen, the world can seem like a very dark place, but at twenty, I now know that I've got to look for the light in order to live a fulfilling life.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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20 Things I'd tell the 13-year-old girl growing into a young woman

I've learned so much about myself over the years.

1. People like having you around.

2. You have value.

3. Do more of what makes you happy.

4. He’s not worth your tears or your time.

5. You will find friends who truly love you for who you are.

6. Don’t give up on your passion.

7. Actually live your life; don’t just be alive.

8. It’s okay to put yourself first.

9. You are not a waste of space by any means.

10. Eating one more bowl of ice cream won’t hurt you.

11. Talk to people, and reach out for help.

12. Don’t be afraid to be your true self.

13. Confrontation can be scary, but sometimes it needs to happen.

14. Cut the toxic people from your life because you deserve to live a life full of happiness and positivity.

15. Do something bold.

16. Know that you’re destined to do great things. Finding your place takes time.

17. Never lose sight of your dreams.

18. It’s okay if you have days where you don’t feel like being the "bubbly and optimistic" girl.

19. It isn’t selfish to do things for self-love and self-care.

20. You are worthy, and never let anyone tell you differently.

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Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

1. My school is incredibly unique.

2. I am not just a number at my school.

3. I feel like I am contributing something to the community.

5. My professors know me and I feel that I can easily communicate with them.

6. The incredible people I've met

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