Dear Middle School Me,

I am so proud of you for never giving up on yourself. You never let anyone get in the way of your goals and dreams. I’m sure you would be ecstatic to know that you’re currently a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, just like you dreamed of. You proved those middle school boys wrong! You’re a journalism major and work for the university’s student newspaper. Life is pretty good right now but I have some advice that would have been nice to have come senior year.

If you don’t like someone, you do not have to put up with them. Trust me, life is so much better and happier without them in your life. Let them know you don't like them. It makes life easier because they learn to leave you alone. That group of girls in your friend group that sometimes gets on your nerves? Don’t worry, you will barely be friends come sophomore year. Once senior year gets here, you won’t be friends anymore but everyone will still eat together at lunch because it became a habit freshman year. No, it doesn’t really get awkward. Senior year, you’re going to lose two of your best friends but it’s a gradual thing so it won’t really sting much. Besides the one girl, the one you’ve been close with since sixth grade? You will be even closer with her come senior year and when you’re 7 ½ hours apart for college, it won’t make a difference on the friendship. She will always be there for you.

Please don’t stress over boys. You do a pretty good job at it throughout high school but you still always think you want a boyfriend. Reality check, you don't. Cheer and dance take over your life and you really enjoy spending time with family so you don’t have time for a boy. Or maybe it’s more of the fact that you just won’t make time for a boy. Don’t worry, you don’t miss out on anything because you never have one. They cause too many issues and end up being part of the reason you lost those two friends senior year. Family and friends over guys any day.

Here’s my last tip of advice. Step out of your comfort zone. Stop your cool and do crazy things. Except parties, nothing against them, they just aren’t for you. Go to that concert, dye your hair that crazy color, talk to that cute boy, make friends with those girls. Just do it. Seriously. I struggle with it currently as a freshman in college and wish I would have stepped out earlier. It’s okay to look like a fool and do something stupid. It makes good stories that you will forever cherish.

With my love,

College Freshman Me