There's probably one thing that many people aged 20 and older can agree on: high school was hell. You're lucky to have just survived it. Regardless of what school you go to, high school is almost always full of the same stuff: popularity contests, drama, heartbreak, awkward puberty, loneliness, at least one identity crisis, and a plethora of other mortifying and excruciating experiences. I think we all deserve a pat on the back for making it out of high school alive. I can't say I would have done anything differently, but looking back now, I'd at least like to tell my 14-year-old self a few things to make it easier on my self during those four years.
1. It's okay to not be okay.
You don't have to be put together all the time. It's okay to feel depressed, alone, or anxious. Everything WILL get better.
2. Don't worry about other people's opinions of you.
The only thing that matters is how you see yourself.
3. Stop worrying about boys so much.
Sure, sometimes high school sweethearts do end up together, but chances are, you two aren't going to get married honey.
4. It really doesn't matter how popular or unpopular you are.
Popularity does not define your worth
5. Gossip is toxic.
Unfortunately, I didn't start watching Gossip Girl until I got to college, so I had to learn this lesson the hard way.
6. The SAT isn't going to shape the fate of your whole future.
Seriously, stop stressing out about it. You don't need to hire a tutor for the SAT - it's a bogus method of measuring your talent and intelligence.
7. Find your people.
It doesn't matter who they are on the social scale - find the people who understand you and accept you for who you are - those will be the ones that become life-long friends.
8. You don't need to get into a prestigious college to achieve everything you want to achieve.
When I applied to colleges, my #1 choice was Bates. I actually ended up at the school that was at the rock bottom of my fourteen school (that's right, I applied to FOURTEEN colleges) list - and I had the time of my life there.
9. You don't need to have your whole life figured out right now.
Your whole future isn't going to fall apart if you don't have a major picked out by the time you go to college. You don't have to have a career plan all mapped out either. Stop worrying about it so much, and just focus on what you enjoy doing. The rest will all come in time.
