Dear high school self,
I know you're too busy being stressed out about everything, but stop for two minutes and read this.
It's senior year. Right now, you're thinking, "Get me out of here. I'm done." I know. High school is rough. Your teachers are overwhelming you with assignments, your parents are nagging you about college, your SAT scores just don't compare to the girl sitting next to you, and things are beginning to get complicated with that boy that you care so much about right now. I'll let you in on a little secret; he's not worth worrying about. And none of these things are worth stressing over. These are some of the final and most precious moments of your youth. Right now you couldn't care less. Believe me, I know.
I know the homecoming football game is this Friday and I know you really don't care about it very much. Go. Go hug your friends after they walk down the football field with the homecoming court. Go be with your classmates and laugh. Go cheer on your football team, even if they're down 0-65. Scream at the top of your lungs. Go to iHop after and celebrate, even if it is a loss. And while you're there, don't care if the cute boy sits across from you. Get the chocolate chip pancakes that you love and eat them. The title "Homecoming Queen" means nothing. Believe me, I know.
I know he broke your heart. And I know you're devastated right now. Pick yourself up. Marble Slab Ice Cream and good friends don't exist for no reason. You don't sit around and cry because of he made you feel small and not good enough, even though you tried so hard. Go work out. Learn a new skill. Become a better version of yourself, not the version he wanted you to be. All of those hours spent perfecting your hair and make-up seem like such a waste. Believe me, I know.
I know prom talk is starting to come up and I know you're stressed about all the plans. Stop. It's all going to be fine. Who cares what you wear or who you go with? Go have fun with your friends. Enjoy prom and stay for more than ten minutes. Go dance and be silly and laugh. It seems cheesy and unimportant right now. Believe me, I know.
I know you're worried about college and you're staring to realize that it's coming up soon. And for some reason, despite how much you want to get out of this place, you can't wrap your head around the fact that you won't have your mom making you dinner next year. Or the fact that you and your friends all want to go different places and do different things. It's okay to feel this way. But change is good and a totally different adventure awaits for you. Believe me, I know.
So go to that dance, even if you don't have a date. Go laugh and have fun with your friends even when you have loads of homework. Go to every sports event. Go to the orchestra concert that is depicted as "nerdy." Say thank you to your teachers and appreciate everyone at school. Go shove your face full of iHop chocolate chip pancakes. Go and do and see and laugh and love and be a teenager. Because these are such important and memorable times of your youth that you will never get back. Believe me, I know.
Love,
Your college self, who's on a whole new, crazy, fun adventure.
