Dear Freshman in high school,
So you've started high school, and have realized that the world is bigger than middle school dances and who's going to play on whose team for dodgeball at recess. Welcome. The next four years of your life are going to be filled with so many crazy times (both good and bad,) but it's important for you to embrace every single one of them. High school can be absolutely brutal at times, but don't wish it away.
These four years are going to pass you by before you even realize what's happening, and although it may feel like you're going to be stuck in those locker filled halls for an eternity, sooner than you know it you're going to be walking in cap and gown with all of your friends at graduation wondering where the time went. Don't let those years get wasted because you were trying to grow up too fast and escape the current stage of your life. College is great in its own sense, but don't forget to live for where you are, not where you're going to be.
Remember that with every new stage of your life there are going to be growing pains. You may lose touch with some of the friends you thought you'd have by your side forever from middle school, but don't worry. The people who are meant to be in your life will either stay in it or come into it, just give it time. You will find your people in this new place, trust me.
Don't let yourself forget that everyone around you is scared too. Freshman year can be absolutely terrifying when you're five foot tall, scrawny and have no idea how to get to your classes, but every single other freshman is right where you are. No one comes into high school knowing what they're doing, don't worry. It's okay to make mistakes, we've all been there.
Your awkward phase will not last forever. Seriously, it's amazing what puberty can do over four years. You are going to grow so much (both physically and emotionally,) so let yourself. Don't try to grow up too fast and to be older than you are. You're only 14 once right? Embrace it.
The foundation you set within the next four years is going to prepare you for college and for the rest of your life, so set off on the right foot. Use this time to learn about yourself and the people you want to be surrounded by. Be who you are, and if you don't know who that is just yet, use this to find out.
Talk to everyone you can, and surround yourself with the kind of people you want to be. It is said that you are the five people you're closest to, after all. Find people who like to do what you like to do, and don't change who you are for anyone. If they don't like you for exactly who you are, they're not worth your time.
Don't let the pointless drama and sometimes trivial nature of high school get to you. If it won't matter in ten years, it doesn't matter now. Focus on yourself and stay above the gossip and drama, and I promise your life will be easier and of better quality in general. Drama only does harm, don't get sucked into it.
The next four years are going to be full of new experiences, and whether you love high school or absolutely hate it, it is going to help you to grow into the person you want to be. So, set off on the right foot. Go to every football game and school dance you can, talk to everyone, and don't write off this new chapter of your life as it's just beginning. Don't leave these four years with regrets.
High school doesn't last forever, but it is what you make it. Remember that.
Good luck fresh meat, you're gonna need it. ;) (just kidding)
Love,
A Freshman in college