Said to be some of the best and worst days of your life, high school is an extremely different experience for everyone. For me, I can say that during those four-years, there were many ups and downs. High school truly is a roller coaster. Through the years, I had learned things that I wished I had known from the very beginning.
1. Friends can be temporary.
Everyone you meet is not meant to have a permanent spot in your life. Your friend group can drastically change from year to year and that's OK. Some people you come across will only use you for your strengths. Other people will take note of how well you're doing and only try to drag you down to their level. Certain people are just going to be plain wrong for you. Take these people and store them in your memory. They end up being a reminder of the type of people you don't need in your life.
2. It is OK to be different from everyone else.
Being different is not something you should feel bad about. People were not all meant to be identical. Our differences are what make us who we are and what make knowing us so special. So what if you don't listen to the same music as the popular kids? So what if you don't go out of your way to look good and dress your best every day? So what if you'd rather stay home reading than going out to party? Past high school, none of these things matter anyway. Just be you because who you are is incredible. Don't change for anyone. Stay true to yourself.3. You are more than a number.
The world does not end if you don't achieve a 4.0 GPA. It is OK to not be in the top-10 of your class rank. Your test scores do not define you. You are greater than all of these things. In the end, as long as you tried, as long as you gave it your all, as long as you did all that you could do, your best is enough.
4. Joining a club or a sport is always a good idea.
I'll admit, it's pretty nerve wracking at first joining a new club or a sport. There's a lot of nervousness going in, especially if you don't really know a lot of the people participating, but sometimes clubs and sports can end up being one of the greatest things you do in high school. With these extracurriculars, not only are they a way to fill your time but along the way, you make friends and connect with people who have the same interests you do. When it's all said and done, you'll regret letting your fear get the best of you more than you will regret giving a club or a sport a try.
5. Relationships are not a must have.
Regardless of all the stress there is on having a boyfriend or a girlfriend in high school, it does not matter and it's not as important as people make it out to be. Relationships are distracting, difficult and confusing. Nobody is going to blame you if you choose to stay single.
6. Don't judge people too quickly.
While first impressions are important, never make a judgment on someone based off the first impression alone. Being too judgmental can cause you to miss the opportunity to meet someone amazing and build an incredible friendship. A new best friend could be right about the corner if you were to give them the chance.
7. Make the most of it because it doesn't last forever.
Four-years seems like such a long time at first but before you know it, it's your senior year and you're gearing up to graduate. It truly happens in the blink of an eye. So take every opportunity you can. Make as many friends as possible. Find ways to leave your mark. Spend every day making the most out of your time in high school so that on graduation day, you can look back and have no regrets.
