Something I've always been grateful for is that I've been able to go through my college experience with my best friend by my side. Up until my last semester of college, she is set to be by my side through it all, and I couldn't be more thankful. However, leaving behind another best friend of mine who is three years younger has continuously been one of the hardest things I've had to do.
So, to my best friend who still has to suffer enjoy two more years of hell high school:
Even though there is a three year age difference between us, I don't consider you a child or some weird little kid following me around. Granted, there are times when I need to remind myself that you are still, technically, a child. Just because you can drive now (which is still scary), are taking the SAT and have a job doesn't eliminate the fact that when I look at you I still see a frizzy-haired fourteen-year-old asking, "If ducks only had one leg, would they swim in a circle?"
I know it sucks not being able to hang out all the time or go to Dunkin' Donuts every Thursday before dance, but just know that you're missed like crazy and that ordering a Vanilla Bean Coolatta isn't the same unless it's with you.
As you enter your junior year of high school, please remember that high school isn't the be-all and end-all of your social life—and even your life in general. Don't spend countless hours trying to impress people that, in all honesty, are too caught up in their own life to look deeply into how you're living yours. Once you leave high school, no one really cares how nice your hair looks or what clothes you decide to wear; just focus on yourself.
Don't spread yourself too thin. Being involved with clubs and various organizations is impressive and a positive way to spend your time, but if you commit yourself to too many things at once, you could wear yourself out. Even though you may want to please everyone, if you forget to schedule in time to breathe, you won't be able to accomplish anything as wholeheartedly as you may want to.
Know who your friends are. Not everyone is going to stand by your side for the rest of your life, and even though it's sad, it is important to learn and realize who your true friends are early on in life. Nothing is worse than investing love and friendship into someone who will only drop you the second you decide to do something they may not agree with. Stand by your opinions and formulate your own conclusions and observations about the people and situations around you. Don't be influenced, be informed.
Always know you have friends in college with a comfy rug and a semi-comfortable couch for you to sleep on. Good luck in high school and always know how proud I am to be your best friend (even if you drive me absolutely insane sometimes).
