I decided that I would write this letter, in the hopes that some young man or woman will see it and let it change their high school experience, even though it is too late to change my own.
High School Self,
I know that right about now, you are worried about a million and one things. Let me go ahead and say this now - stop. Stop worrying about all of the stupid, little things that you are worried about. They don’t matter in the long run, in the big picture of your life. I promise. If you would just relax, and let it be, everything will turn out just fine.
The first thing that I want you to stop worrying about is dating. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying to not date. I am just saying to not worry about it so much. I know that you have spent so many nights crying yourself to sleep over this relationship, but it is not worth it in the end. It is just puppy love. And even if it’s not, and by some miracle of God, this relationship is the one you will be in the rest of your life, wasting your time worrying about it will not change or help anything. You have more important things to worry about.
The second thing that I want you to stop worrying about is your peers. I completely understand that all you want is for everyone to like you. You don’t understand why everyone can’t be friends. You don’t understand why everyone can’t just be nice to everyone. But that is just not how some people are. There will be people that do not like you, and there is nothing that you can do about it. You know who your real friends are- stick with them and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks or does or says. You have more important things to worry about.
The third and final thing that I want you to stop worrying about is your education. Now, before you go and do something crazy like drop out of school, that is NOT what I mean. You need to study. You need to do your homework. You need to try your best. But beyond those things, there is nothing you can do. No amount of panicking yourself sick the night before a test or freaking out about how it will all affect your future will make your grades better. Chill. Out. You will do great. I would know. You have more important things to worry about.
Do you know the one and only thing you should be worrying about right now? Having fun with your friends! Making incredible memories that you will always remember! Enjoying yourself while you have no major responsibilities like bills or jobs or marriage or children of your own! This time in your life can be a truly magical one, if you will let it.
