It is rare that we take the time to reflect and think about how far we’ve come.

The strangest part of beginning college is not being there for my younger sister, who likewise, is a freshman in high school. While she hardly listens to me anyways, there are five things I wish I could tell her every day.

So, here it goes:

1. Accept nothing short of what you know you deserve.

Like the Perks of Being a Wallflower states, “we accept the love we think we deserve”. Don’t settle for less. Deep inside, you know when you are being mistreated, disrespected, and not taken for your full worth. You will never regret time spent in the presence of the right people, and you will know when you’re with the wrong ones. It is hard, it is a process, but more than anyone, you must treat yourself right.

2. Take risks.

Find yourself doing something you said you would never do. When you are about to get on stage, perform your solo, or travel across the world alone, put all in. When you are scared it usually means it’s because you are meant to do it.

3. Appreciate your supporters.

Know that even when your parents seem utterly against you, they are your number one fans. Oddly, sometimes we do not know how to treat the people we love the most. But everything they do is to make you successful and happy, never forget that.

4. Say what you mean.

“The truth will set you free” is the code our mother lives by. When I was younger it simply meant if I did something bad, I fessed up. But it means more than that, it means speaking your mind and losing the façade. Tell the truth to others, but most importantly, to yourself.

5. You’re in control.

Never put your happiness in the hands of someone else. Your best friend or your boyfriend shouldn’t affect your happiness. You’re in control of that, if you’re sad, in the end of the day, you’re the only one who can change that.

Love you,

Lena

P.S. I'm still working on all of these.