It's been five years since I walked up the steps of a totally new school, surrounded by totally new people, awaiting a totally new experience that I would know as high school. I thought those four years would last forever, but when people say that time flies, they mean it. I remember the utter terror I felt on that first day (heck, it was more like the first year). But now, just five years later, I have grown and matured so much as an individual that my reaction to that new adventure seems silly. Looking back, I can name so many things that I wish I'd known during high school, and here are just a few:

1. You don't have to be the "scared freshman."

Just a little bit of confidence goes a long way. Hold your head high and you will be surprised at how far it takes you.

2. Get involved early.

It's much easier to join a new club or activity at their first meeting of the year, even though it's scary to put yourself out there right away.

3. You are NOT too old to try something new.

Seriously. You are only 14 or 15 years old. You have so much of your life ahead of you. Just because you haven't tried something before, doesn't mean you shouldn't try it now. Don't limit yourself to what you did in middle school.

4. Take the opportunity to find yourself.

I'm not going to tell you that you will figure out exactly who you are in high school because you won't. As humans, we are constantly evolving and dynamic people. But take these four years to figure out pieces of who you are, or at least start the journey to finding yourself.

5. Your friends might not be the same all four years.

In fact, they probably won't be. And that's ok. People grow and change, and sometimes those changes pull them apart. Everyone comes into your life for a reason, even if it's just for a short period of time.

6. Don't limit yourself to one "group."

Guess what? People and their personalities are complex. They are not one-dimensional. You can be an athlete and a band "geek" and a "nerd." You can be the star of the spring musical AND the captain of the basketball team (yep, Troy Bolton got something right). The more you explore ALL of your interests, the more friends you will meet, the more memories you will make, and the more you will learn about yourself.

7. Don't worry about finding love.

If you find it, that's great. But don't feel like a romantic relationship is a requirement for high school. Sometimes being single is the best way to gain confidence and contentment in your independence. If you spend all of your effort trying to impress someone else, it's easy to forget to be true to yourself. (Cue Taylor Swift's "Fifteen.")

8. Talk to people who aren't just like you.

It's our nature to gravitate towards people who are similar to ourselves. But by expanding our horizons to interact and build relationships with people with different backgrounds, interests and experiences, we can learn so much more.

9. Don't grow up too fast.

High school is your last stage of childhood. While not everyone is completely independent in college, it is the first step for many of truly acting as an adult. Enjoy carefree moments when you can.

10. Make memories.

Go to the cheesy high school dances. Go to the school's football and basketball games with your friends. It's better to regret doing something than to regret never doing it.

11. Four years is not that long-- don't wish it away.

"I can't wait to get out of here." Most people have said this at some point in their lives. But life is short, so be aware of each day that passes and cherish it. If we are always looking forward to the next milestone, the next adventure, then we will wish our entire lives away.

I guess my problem is that I didn't start truly enjoying high school until it was almost over. Even though it can be scary, jumping in early is the best way to make the most of those four years of your life. There will be obstacles-- cruel people, difficult classes, heartbreak, rejection-- but overcoming these trials is part of the adventure. In four short years, you learn so much about yourself and the world around you. Take every opportunity you are handed and live in the moment, because it will be over before you know it, and you'll be on to the next adventure.