I am not done growing as a person; I realize I have a long adventure ahead of me. My 16-year-old self only existed a few years ago, but since then I have had the chance to grow, look back, and criticize myself.

1. Keep an open mind when thinking about your future

I was (and still am) a dreamer. I loved to think about and try to plan out where I was going to end up in life after high school. However, don't wish your life away (as my dad still tells me).

2. Don't sweat the small stuff

Everyone says this after they graduate from high school, so I will say it too.

HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA WILL NOT MATTER AFTER YOU LEAVE THAT PLACE. The rumors that you thought would follow you forever will not matter. The embarrassing thing that happened to you or the girl who subtweeted you will not matter anymore; there are bigger and better things ahead of you!

3. Your parents will treat you as an adult...eventually

16 years old is still an age where your parents DO have a say in what you do. After you move out and realize you are almost on your own, you will appreciate everything your parents have ever done for you. You will regret the petty arguments because all they ever wanted was for you to be safe. Be sure to tell your parents you love them and appreciate them any chance you get.

4. You're 16, not 25

You may think you are on top of the world, but you are only 16. Trust me, you don't want to be an actual adult yet.

5. Don't slack off

Proven fact: high school is a lot easier than college. Don't get me wrong, it's easy to slack off in high school, but college will be a more difficult adjustment if you do.

6. Don't fight the love with your siblings

My brother and I fought, and I mean physically and verbally. When I was a senior and he was a freshman, it got a tad bit better because we were forced to be around each other more. As soon as I left for college, it was like the world turned upside down; we actually got along!! The hatred we had for each other seems pointless now; we wasted our time and annoyed our parents to death for no reason!

These are only six things that I wish I would've known three years ago, but there are much more that could've helped too. Being a teenager in high school is a phase in everyone's life, and we all have to get through it somehow!