College begins in a week, and looking back on high school, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self some things. I was an uptight, nervous wreck, who cared way too much about what other people thought about her. I was a perfectionist who focused on only studies for such a long time, before I finally let loose a little. If I could go back to 2013, the end of middle school, there are so many things that I would tell myself, and that I hope to teach to young students one day.
1. You don't need your friends for everything
I know friends are important to you but you don't need them for everything. They may be your friends, but they aren't always going to have the same exact interests as you, they aren't copies of you. You are an individual, and don't need other people's approval or their company to do the things you want to do. And that is absolutely okay.
2. Yes, join those clubs you're thinking about
Going along with the first point, you don't need your friends. It's scary starting something new, but do it. Sure, your friends may not be there and you will be surrounded by strangers, but guess what? Those "strangers" will turn out to be some pretty nice friends a few years from now. And those friends who aren't in the clubs you join? They'll still be your friends, even if you do something that they aren't in.
3. Attend sporting events
You went to one football game as a freshman (not counting all the other games thanks to the wonderful world of marching band). Just because you didn't have anyone to go with doesn't mean you didn't have to go. You know you would have found someone to hang with, even if you weren't close friends with them. You didn't attend a basketball game until you reached your senior year in pep band. You missed out on fun times, surrounded by friends making memories. Support your school, and show your spirit.
4. Stop stressing over literally everything
A bad grade isn't going to kill you. And that test the next day is not worth losing sleep over. You are worth more than your grades. You don't need to keep yourself up half the night worrying about the presentation you are giving the next day. Honestly, nobody in the classroom cares about what you are presenting, except your teacher. Seriously, get some sleep and stop stressing over the littlest things. It's not worth the time.
5. It doesn't matter what people think of you
Seriously, it doesn't matter what others think of you. You don't need other people's approval to be the brilliant individual that you are. I know it seems like you do need it, but really, you can survive without it. And when someone doesn't like you, it's not the end of the world. Don't wonder why, just accept it. You have plenty of other friends that love you for who you are, don't focus on the ones who don't matter.
Looking back on this, these points seem so obvious, of course do these things. However, then it wasn't. I wish someone would have told me these things (face it, they probably did and I was stubborn and didn't listen). On the bright side, I know that I have learned from the mistakes I have made and hopefully, I will not make the same ones in the future. I hope to teach these few lessons to young students once I am older and have the chance to do so.
