Forget everything anyone has ever told about high school, because it's going to be what you make it regardless of how others perceive it to be. You get to choose how well you enjoy high school or how much you dread it every morning. High school can either be one of the best times or your life or the worst, so as your older sibling I'm going to help you make the most of it through the lessons I've learned.

Be kind. You're not better than anyone else, so don't act like you are. No matter how anyone else treats that quiet kid who wore the same shirt the day before, you better treat him or her with utmost respect. You never know what someone is going through so it's so important that you don't add any hardships to anyone's life. Whether you're popular or not, smiling at someone and showing them kindness goes a long way. Chances are once you graduate you're not going to see many of those people again so the impressions you make in high school will literally last a lifetime, so it's up to you to make that impression a good one. You never know whose life you could save just by being kind.

Bad grades aren't cool. Always study and try your hardest. Once you start college you'll really thank me for this one. Forming good habits early while you're in high school will make college so much easier because you'll have a good foundation to start on. Whether you plan on attending college through academic or sport scholarships, your grades can make or break you. I don't mean that your grades define you as a person, but in a way they do; they can determine the school you're able to go to which could affect the rest of your life.

Participate in school activities. Some of the best memories I have took place in the student section at the Friday night football games. Paint up before the game, make rad signs for your team, and yell at the top of your lungs when your team scores a touchdown because if you don't there will be a day when you'll wish you would have. Run for student council. Make your school a better place, or at least attempt to. Support your friends in their sports, too. Go to every volleyball game. Attend the science fair and tell everyone how cool their projects were. Dominate in gym class dodgeball because even though no one will remember that about you, you will. Vote for the sweetest girl in homecoming, not the prettiest (unless she happens to be both). Dance your heart out at prom. Be active in your school because you'll look back on these days with joy one day.

Don't hold back. There are no limits to what you can accomplish in high school and the memories are unforgettable. If you're scared to fall in love with someone because you're young and it's reckless and destined for ruin, do it anyway. If you want to go to a concert the night before a huge test, do it, but study when you get home. If you want to stay in one weekend when all your friends are hanging out, that's okay. Take lots of pictures of you doing these things, too. Also, dummy lock your locker; it saves so much time. Do what makes you happy because high school is way too short to constantly stress and worry about things you can't control. You're only a teenager once so make the most out of it from the moment you walk into school freshman year, until you walk off the stage after graduation.

Also, don't be afraid to call me when you need help. Just because I've moved out doesn't mean I can't come back home if you need to just talk. No matter what I'll always be proud of you. I love you more than you'll ever know.