Always hug mom and dad whenever you get the chance.

Be a gentleman.

Hold the door open for her, give her your jacket, compliment her, and actually listen to her.

Call an uber if you need one.

Even an $100 uber fare is better than a DUI.

Don’t let ANYBODY tell you that you can’t achieve something.

Everyone deserves to be treated with the same respect.

From the weirdest kid in your grade to the coolest kid in your grade, be nice to all of them. It will get you a lot farther than being a jerk.

Find someone who will listen.

Grades matter.

Get the best grades you can because when you get a scholarship and don’t have to pay off any student loans you will thank your high school self.

Have fun.

(But not too much fun). You are only in high school once so make the most out of it just don’t be an idiot.

It gets better.

Don’t worry if you are not one of the coolest kids. Most of the mean, popular kids end up peaking in high school anyway. Trust me college rocks.

Just breathe.

I know life can be stressful, overwhelming, and unfair, but as bad as it seems at times, life goes on.

Keep the photos you take.

Even the ugly ones. They are fun to look back on.

Learn to love yourself before you try and love someone else.

Make as many positive connections as possible.

Never give up.

As cliche as that sounds, it’s advice that helped me through a lot.

Order from your favorite restaurant as much as possible.

God I miss Portillos.

Play your heart out on your sports teams.

Quiet time is important. Always try and make time for yourself.

Read the books instead of spark noting them.

It’s a lot easier to get an A if you actually do the work.

Stay away from jungle juice.

Trust me on this one.

Take a girl to Prom.

Prom is awesome, and fun, and a right of passage.

Understand that there is a difference between knowing and understanding.

Vote.

Your almost 18 so go out and vote. I don’t care who you vote for just go do it.

Write.

Writing can be an outlet or just something to look back on and smile at all the fun times you had.

Xperience as much as you can.

These years will go by so fast. Cherish them.

You have the ability to be your own person.

Be who you want to be not who your classmates, parents, or anyone else wants you to be.

Zero things are stopping you right now

so work your hardest to set yourself up for a successful future. You have so much potential. I believe in you and I love you.