Leaving behind all of my friends when leaving for college is hard. Somehow, knowing that my other friends are going to college as well in a way, makes it easier. You know that they're going through some of the same things as you. They're feeling the same emotions. Even if they are miles away they're still on this exciting new journey that you are on as well.
They're talking to new people.
They're taking exciting new classes that they actually want to take.
They get a little homesick.
They're unfortunately gaining the freshman 15.
But leaving behind one of your best friends still in high school can be incredibly hard. They aren't on the same journey as you and are "stuck" in your hometown. They aren't getting to do all of the new things that you do and that can be, well kind of sad. This isn't for long though. In a year or so your best friend will be on the same journey through college and life as you, and you can get back to talking about all the new things you now have in common.
Until then, here is my advice for my best friend who is still in high school.
1. Actually go to sports events and really participate.
Go to all the football games. Go to the park across the street from our high school and paint yourself in our school colors with your closest friends. Grab someone to go to a soccer game with. Go to a swim meet. Even if you really are exhausted on a Friday night after a long week of school and work, go to the game. Especially if it's a home game. You may be tired but there's nothing quite like cheering with your best friends that you've known for forever under those bright lights. Believe me, you're going to miss it.
2. Be friends with everyone.
Trust me, I know this sounds incredibly cheesy. I'm not saying that you have to be friends with literally everyone who walks through the doors of your classroom. I'm just saying do not limit yourself to just those involved in the same activities as you. Be friends with guys on the football team. Talk to the kids in Spanish Club. Hang out with people in band. You don't have to be BFFs with everybody. Just broaden your horizons. Just be friendly to everyone. There's nothing better than being known for being a friendly person.
3. Do what you love. Even if it's not known for being cool.
There's a million clubs and organizations you can join in high school. There's bound to be something you love. If you think you've truly found what you love then continue to do it. Put your mind to it and thrive. Success in high school can lead to such bigger and better things in the future.
4. Be nice to the underclassmen.
I know. They can seem annoying and for some reason, their cluelessness can really piss you off. Don't get mad at them when they ask you where the choir room is. Don't reply with attitude. Just be nice. There is nothing wrong with being the nice senior.
5. Hang out with your friends as much as possible.
I know that this seems obvious, but really do hang out with your friends as much as possible. You probably think that you have all the time in the world. You probably think that nine months will feel like nine years. Those nine months are going to go by incredibly fast. Graduation will be here before you know it and you'll be going your separate ways. So when Veronica asks you to go get ice cream with her, go. I don't care if you're on a diet. Just go. You don't know how many more ice cream dates you're going to get or how long it will be until your next one.
6. Spend as much time with your family as you possibly can.
I feel that a lot of kids in high school seem to really neglect this one. During high school, a lot of us tend to put our friends before our family. We tend to think that they'll always be with us and that we only have a limited amount of time with out friends before we pack up our bags for college. To an extent this is true. But while you and your friends are counting down the days until you leave, so are your parents and your siblings. Tell your parents and siblings how much you love them. Spend one day on the weekend with just your family. Actually tell your parents how your day at school was. You're going to wish you had once you leave and become a real adult.
My last tiny piece of advice for anyone in high school, whether you're my best friend or not, is to not wish it all away just yet. I know that high school can seem like it's going to last forever. Believe me, I have been there. Just don't wish to be out just yet. Once you're out you really are on your own, and while it is a world of endless possibilities it is also a world of endless responsibility. So take my advice and you will be just fine. I'll see you all at graduation and maybe next fall.
