Dear Freshman me,
So you started high school and you hate it. I promise it gets better. I know that you don’t believe me now, but it does. You'll eventually find out what you like and make a few good friends. Just go with it. That being said, there will be countless nights when you stay up crying or worrying that you don't fit in. But, let me tell you a secret: everybody feels insecure. You are not alone.
These years will fly by. I know that that it's cliché, but again, just trust me. Before you know it, you'll be graduating high school. I know that there will be lots of bumps along the way, good times and bad times, and days where you just don’t think you carry on anymore. Just keep going, because one day, in the not so far future, you will look back on these years fondly and wish you had just a little more time at home.
Speaking of home, cherish every single moment. Watch a movie with mom every time she asks, and play board games with your little sister. Never wish away the afternoons spent waiting to pick your little brother up from practice, because they always ended with time that just the two of you got to spend together. These moments come and go in the blink of an eye, and when you are sitting in your dorm room in college, you are going to wish that you could relive those memories.
Get involved in school. I know that you are pretty involved, but go to every sporting event while you still know all of the players' names. Dress up during homecoming and student council weeks, because when else in life will you get to wear tacky Christmas sweaters in October without people judging you (too much)? Decorate the gym for every pep rally and don’t be afraid to go to your homecomings or proms without a date. Seriously, DO NOT miss your senior prom.
I know that these four years seem like they will never end, but there will be times when you do not want them to. It is okay to feel both ways. The most important piece of advice I can give you is to not be afraid to be yourself. You are very good at faking that you are secure, but you really, really need to believe it. You are made for greatness, girl. Just take a deep breath, pick your head up, and push through.
See you in the mirror in four years.
Love,
Me
