I was in your shoes a short time ago. I remember it all too well; the work, the drama, the boys, and so much more. At times, high school seems like it won't ever end, especially for the seniors who are counting down the days until graduation.
Here are 50 things I wish someone told me (or someone did tell me and I didn't listen to) when I was in your position.
1. Chill with the eyeliner, it isn't doing anything for you.
2. No one cares if you have a bad hair day.
3. Keep your clothes classy, especially for presentations.
4. Your test score/GPA does not define you.
5. Neither do your college acceptances.
6. Seriously, stop comparing your academic achievements to everyone else's.
7. If someone asks you to chose between them and someone else, choose the person who isn't making you choose.
8. Real friends don't leave when things get hard.
9. Friends don't get jealous, they're genuinely happy for you.
10. Some people are only in your life because you see them everyday. That's okay.
11. Put your family first, ALWAYS. They'll always be there; friends, sports, etc. are temporary.
12. Don't let a bad teacher/ bad coach kill your passion.
13. Talk to God sometimes, it helps.
14. Talk to your parents too, they've been through this already (even if it was a really long time ago).
15. There will always be someone better than you, there will always be someone worse than you. Stay both confident and humble.
16. Just because he doesn't want you, that doesn't mean you're worthless.
17. If he's going to be your boyfriend, make sure he's your best friend.
18. If your mom doesn't like him, he probably isn't a good fit.
19. Same goes for friends, your mom knows best.
20. Spend more time with your dogs, it relieves stress and they get lonely too.
21. Don't worry as much about the grade, try to learn something relevant from each class.
22. Take classes that are out of your comfort zone. Trust me, it'll help you in college.
23. Go on long drives with your best friends, you'll miss them someday.
24. Your siblings understand you better than most people, don't forget to spend time with them too.
25. Go for walks/runs through your neighborhood when you get the chance.
26. Get a job and stop relying on your parents for everything.
27. Also, volunteer and learn how to give without expecting anything in return.
28. Whatever you're doing, be really good at it. Even if it seems like it doesn't matter, you could be making someone's day.
29. Get involved at your high school, whether it's sports, theater, or just volunteering.
30. Go to prom and graduation, they might not be the best night of your life but I promise you'll have a fun time.
31. Spend some time with your older family members, you don't know how much longer they'll be around.
32. It's okay to drink coffee, but try not to drink more than 2 cups a day.
33. Remember your teachers are people too, give them a break.
34. Thank your teachers, they've done a lot for you. Some of my least favorite teachers are the ones who I learned the most from.
35. Stick to your parent's curfew, getting grounded isn't worth it.
36. Learn how to have fun without your phone.
37. Stay hydrated, it'll keep your skin clear and make you feel healthier.
38. You won't always get 8 hours of sleep, but try to aim for at least 6.
39. Go to bed early the night before a test, if you don't know it by 10 o'clock you aren't going to retain it very well.
40. Exercise. Get a gym membership, play a sport, go for runs around town. Getting your blood pumping will relieve some stress and give you energy.
41. Wear a coat/sweater. It won't look as good with your outfit, but it's better than getting pneumonia.
42. Same thing with shoes. If the event will be longer than an hour, find something you can actually walk in.
43. Drive carefully. It isn't fun trying to explain to your mom why you hit someone else's car.
44. On that note, listen to what your dad says when you're learning how to drive. He's been behind the wheel a lot longer than you.
45. Go out to dinner with your family. You aren't too cool for them, and you never will be.
46. Stop spending money on things you don't need, good saving habits start young.
47. Do people favors when you can, try to give more than you take.
48. Make a big deal about people's birthdays, it's fun and it'll make your friends feel special.
49. Eat the piece of cake. You're only young once.
50. Enjoy this part of your life while you can, it'll be gone before you know it!