One night I was in the car with my friends listening to “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift, and I couldn’t help but notice all the things I should’ve noted when I was 15.

The song sends some very good messages that most young high schoolers probably don’t realize. So, looking back at it now I thought I’d share some advice I found to be very true. This song resonates with me, and not just because I ended up being best friends with a girl named Abbigail. Thanks, Taylor, for all your wisdom.

1. “Somebody tells you they love you, you’re gonna believe them”

In high school, you feel the need to belong, and when that boy tells you he loves you, you will be sky high off of that for days. Sure, you are loved, but by a cute boy? It is amazing how much a few little words can change a life. But please, be cautious, he may say he loves you, and he may even say it often, but don’t make his love your sole purpose. You are so much more than some high school boy's love.

2. “Feeling like there’s nothing to figure out, count to 10, take it in, this is life before you know who you're gonna be."

You will think you know it all. It is you against the world, sweetie. So, take some falls, have some fun, go down some paths that just aren’t right. But, don’t forget to learn from all the things that didn’t go right for you.

3. “Then you're on your very first date and he’s got a car and you feel like flying, And your mama’s waitin’ up, and you’re thinkin’ he’s the one, and you’re dancing round the room when the night ends”

Keep that joy in your life. You will feel giddy and happy, and probably nervous. You’ll feel that spark that sends your heart beating out of your chest. First loves are some pretty special things, and you may be lucky enough to find it when you are just starting out your journey. But, if it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen. It isn’t the end of the world

4. “In your life, you will do things greater than dating the boy on the football team”

Please remember this when you are crying on your bed when he leaves you in the dust. Your life will be filled with so many accomplishments that do not include dating the quarterback, getting a prom date or being sought after. It may seem like having someone by your side is the most important thing, but looking back at it, you’ll understand what Taylor means when she says this.

5. “When all you wanted was to be wanted wish you could go back and tell yourself what you know now”

This I really needed when I was in the early half of high school. All I wanted was a football jersey, all I wanted was a kiss, all I ever wanted was a boyfriend. But guess what, you will regret becoming consumed by something when things go wrong. It’s a high school relationship, don’t waste your night crying when you could be experiencing life. I promise you, Taylor knows what’s up.

6. “Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday but I realized some bigger dreams of mine And Abigail gave everything she had to a boy who changed his mind, we both cried”

When he changes his mind it will hurt, I am not going to sugar coat it. And maybe, you’ll get stuck in a cycle and finally get the courage to end it all, but he’s not the thing that makes you, you. It may feel like the world is ending, but if he is every holding you back, remember that he is not worth giving up your dreams.

7. “Don’t forget to look before you fall”

It took me awhile to figure this out. Don’t run yourself too thin, don’t follow people who make the wrong choices, don’t fall blindly into the scene. The crash will hurt, but sometimes you can prevent the damage done.

8. “I find time can heal most anything and you might find who you’re supposed to be. I didn’t know who I was supposed to be at 15”

This is the core message of this song. You do not know who you are going to be, heck, I don’t even really know and I’m on my way to turning 20. The world is your oyster, and time is always ticking. Stop waiting for things that aren’t going to happen. Make opportunities for yourself. Make time for the right things, and maybe that will take a while to figure out what those right things are. But, eventually, you will know what you are meant to be. So, don’t freak out, you’re only 15.