Dear High School Freshman,
Hello, I remember you. You have never met me, but I used to know you. Four years ago to be exact, we used to be the same. You are so free spirited and have great ideas for the future. You think you have it all figured out and that life is all fun. You love your best friend, the color pink, penguins, your family, and school. You have just started the next four years of your life and are so excited to finally have your "High School Musical" experience.
I have some unfortunate news for you as you progress on. High School is nothing like the movies. Classes are not fun, you won't have a million friends, and it won't always be fun and games. Because I know you so well, I know that you will experience many difficult challenges.
Your family is going to fall apart. You've always been of the small population of students without divorced parents, but you will soon join the majority. I know the secret you've been hiding for years. You've hidden it from your friends and other family members, but you can't keep it from me. You've been keeping a countdown until graduation because once you leave, you hope your mom will finally file for a divorce, but the countdown is too far, and you have to stand up for yourself. I'm warning you, things will get very rough. Living in other people's homes, pretending like everything will be okay, police reports, restraining orders, trying to be strong. You will have very close encounters, but you will come out as a survivor in the end.
You will begin battling an invisible monster soon. This monster will lurk up and attack you without warning, and you will fill with dread. You will lose sight of the great things in life and focus on the negatives. This monster is named depression. Sometimes he will only stick around for a few hours, other times much longer. Because of your stubborn personality, you won't want medication to control it, but it will get to the point where you no longer have the option. You will cry, scream, hate yourself, and have many other negative side effects of this horrible monster. But please understand that you will overcome this battle. The monster still sticks around sometimes, but trust me, you are stronger than him.
Oh, and please stop looking for your prince charming. Many of the boys in that school are idiots, so don't waste your time. When you've finally opened your eyes, you'll realize that the prince you search for was there all along. Don't rush things, don't let others influence you. You will lose many friends over this relationship, but know it's for the best. Trust your heart, because he'll be around much longer than expected.
You two will mature together and go through hard times, as all couples do. Your heart will be broken, and it will be rough. It still hurts at times, but it will make your relationship stronger in the end.
High school will treat you horribly, but you will gain a few important things: the opportunity to attend a great university, true love, and an amazing bond with your mom. Strive for these things and keep them in your goals, and soon high school will be in your rear-view mirror.
Many people will leave your life in the next four years. It's not you, it's them. It will take you a long time to realize this, but it's true.
Please remember that while things look dark and hopeless now, they won't for long. There's light at the end of every tunnel.
Your friend,
The College Version of You
P.S.- you aren't as cool as you think you are.
