As a junior in college, I have had more than my fair share of mistakes and lessons learned. They included late nights out before a midterm, trips to the Japanese steakhouse with my last $20, and much more. I find myself "accidentally" coming across old photos and various memorabilia from my high school years. In most of these situations, I find myself cringing—and cringing hard. From pixie cuts to knee-high Converse, I wrote the book on bad decisions. There are several hundred things I would like my high school self to know. Lucky for you, I condensed the list to just eight.
1. Don't get that haircut because "Seventeen" told you to get it.
Yes, I know it looks incredible on Jennifer Aniston. Yes, I know you think you will miraculously transform into her with that new do. But you will not. I promise the only thing that will come from that decision is several yearbook photos you cut out and hid in your drawer and at least a year of, "No, I don't want to be in the picture, I'll take it of y'all instead."
2. Quality over quantity.
Do not surround yourself with all kinds of random friends only to satisfy your need to fit in. Keep those few, really, really good people in your life that truly care for you. Trust me—quality friends beat a large quantity any day.
3. No Picnik.
No. Just post the picture. Let go of the mouse. Turn off your computer.
4. Stop spending your money on what is "in."
Because it is not "in" anymore and those atrocious boots everyone wears now are going to sit in the bottom of your closet for the rest of your life. Why? No one will buy them from you in the future. But why is that? Because they're atrocious.
5. Don't get mad when Mom doesn't let you go out one weekend.
You have only a few years left living with your family. After you graduate, you're on your own and they aren't around to come crying to. Cherish this time—it's a very important piece of your life.
6. Your best friend in college and in life is someone you don't hang out with.
She's literally perfect for you in every way. But you hang out in different groups that don't interchange with each other; you may even be in different towns/states right now. Stop hanging out with people because they are familiar. Branch out—you will love what you find.
7. Prom night is not the best night of your life.
It most certainly is not even close.
8. Be happy.
Stop changing yourself for others. Stop acquiring a taste for things you don't want to. Stop living for anyone else. The only opinions in your life you need to be concerned with are your family's and God's. Nothing else matters. Wear those glasses the doctor is begging you to wear. Listen to whatever music you want. Don't feel like going out? Don't. 60 percent of the people going are some you will probably never see again. Live in the now, and never try to grow up too fast.
