Junior year is the utter pinnacle of the high-school experience. You're balancing in the thin limbo of having some responsibility, and opinion in greater life decisions. Growing away from your sweet 16th year, the age when you are on your 'free trial' of freedom, nor 18, when you are forced to buy the lifetime subscription.
But, there are a few things I wish I could whisper in the ear of my former self:
1. Lighten up about your ever so important social life..
First and foremost, at my school, junior year quite literally is the peak of your time spent within its halls. Academically, athletically, late-nights begin, and your walk down the road to adult hood begins to illuminate as the reality of your impending finale in the K-12 grade system sets in. And more importantly, my tip is, nothing was that important. Your mom was right! Take the time to clean your room, or get your homework done early. That party can wait until you're done with clearing the sink. Not to mention, moms stress is less, your stress is less. There is fundamental value to momma bear growling at you, see through the annoyance. Happy mom makes for a happy you, girl. Believe that!
2. Smile more!
No amount of stresses coming from anything other than your schooling, your work life, or your family are simply not worth the day wasted. People love to talk, they always will. Don't let a day go by without smiling at some point. You deserve to enjoy your day at its full potential, as a happy you! Let no one cast shadow, on an otherwise sunny day.
3. Let the rumor mill run.
As previously noted, people love to talk,this is something that will only escalate as time advances. Let them talk! Simple as that. You know the validity of any and every situation you are involved in. Knowledge IS power.
4. Take risks.
High school is an interesting time for emotional development, and the development of our self concept! Take some risks, the possibilities are actually unfathomable! You have plenty of people to meet and to interact with. Don't let the status quo create a blockade for you! Minimize your, 'what if's'!
5. You don't need a reason to not associate with someone you don't want to.
It can be a confusing time when you're dodging between friend groups, and social status but you should never objectify, and sadden yourself over the loss of a friend who is pressuring you inappropriately, or just not on the same page as you! It is normal for people to feel this way, friendships grow, change, and end as people do the same. Nor should anyone ever feel so entitled towards you that they demand a reason for your leaving. If everyone has the right to be manipulative, selfish, with only themselves on their minds, you have the right to not stand around and take it!
Take it easy, go with the breezy. Everything turns out fine.
