To My Sixth Grade Self,
The day is finally here, sweet one. I just had my last day of high school. The crowds through the halls bustled out that door, the seniors leaving for the very last time, adorning smiles on their faces and the light of a new day shining down on them. I walked out to my car this afternoon, only to be pummeled with water balloons as our school’s senior prank. It was absolutely crazy, and what’s even crazier is knowing that will be the last time I walk out of those doors. Seems so far away for you, doesn’t it? I used to think the same thing, but I promise you that it goes by at the blink of an eye. So don’t waste a single moment.
High school is an entirely different world from middle school, filled with many revelations. It’s where you realize that you aren’t on top of the world; you’re just one of its inhabitants. You realize that not everything is a walk through the park as you get older, but the things that take the most effort are the best things life has to offer. Nothing that’s worth it comes easy. You start to keep out the friends who will stick by your side, and weed out the ones who just want to feed off of you. Those solid friends you come across however, hold on to them. They become diamonds in a world of rocks. Things will be difficult at times, but you come to the conclusion that just about everything happens for a reason. You also notice that your friends won’t always be there, but your family will. By the way, thank Mom and Dad more often for driving you to the movies or the mall because now that I’m older and have to drive myself around, I miss our little talks on the way there. Gas is also very expensive, as I’m slowly learning, and they are paying to be your personal chauffeur just to get a couple minutes of conversation in with you. Learn to appreciate that, and don’t take them for granted.
The few sheets of homework you receive become mountains of material as you age. Responsibility is something you’re reminded of every waking moment. You become a trapeze artist, with impeccable balance, as things get piled onto you. Stress is no longer a foreign concept; it becomes one of your most commonly used words. You’re probably currently breezing through sixth grade math, and wondering when any of this stuff will ever get hard. Trust me, at one point it does, and it never stops getting hard. Although things may get hectic, and it may seem like there’s no time for anything, don’t lose your incessant love for reading. It doesn’t make you a nerd, or a geek. It makes you smart, and as you get older you’ll realize that. Join as many clubs as you can, too. It’s where you make your lifelong friends because they share your same interests and want to help you succeed.
Boys may seem like a different kind of species, now that you’ve dealt with the “hair pulling” flirting stage, and the “roses are red, violets are blue” love notes, but I promise that they get more appealing as you mature. They’ll play an important part in your life as well, I can tell you that much. You’ll go on dates. You’ll twirl your hair and bat your eyelashes, and hope that they like you. Some will, and some won’t, but don’t let that stop you. Don’t let this affect the sheer fact that you’re beautiful and strong to the point of invincibility. A significant piece of advice: don’t let a boy you like dictate any of your decisions because down the line you’ll realize that he wasn’t worth it and you’ll regret it. I’ve been there. You’re your own person and you wore a crown before that boy came along, and you’ll still wear one if he chooses to leave.
High school may seem scary now after reading this, but it’s where you make the most wonderful memories, that resonate throughout the rest of your life. You have endured moments that will make you laugh, some that will make you cry. All of these moments make you wiser and prepare you for the real world that is to come. No matter what comes your way, maintain that genuine consideration, humble nature and big heart. It’ll come in handy down the line. Don’t let anyone change your smile; make sure it’s always plastered upon that face of yours. High school is where you learn your most valuable life lessons, little one. It’s where you truly start to identify yourself as an individual and begin to shine. These are the best years. Don’t waste them.
Yours Truly,
Your 12th Grade Self
