After a long four years in high school, I finally graduate on June 27th. It seems like a perfect time to reflect on and understand my experience as a high school student. It seems like just yesterday that I was a freshman, but it also feels like a lifetime went by since I began high school. It is quite the contradiction, I'm aware. It was definitely not the easiest thing I've ever done, for sure. I faced a lot of personal and intellectual obstacles that I never thought I would, but here are the important life lessons I have learned as a result:

1. You don't actually know everything.

I will be the first to admit that I am a stubborn lady. I am both hot and hard headed. Learning that I may not be the most intuitive, reasonable, and experienced person wasn't something I was ready to accept. It is something that I continue to struggle with. I refused to listen to others because I believed there was no way that they were right. It was my way or the highway, as my English teacher would say. Throughout the years, I feel like I have greatly improved on that aspect of my personality.

2. Don't sweat the small stuff.

This lesson is definitely one of the things that took the longest for me to learn. If I didn't do something exactly the way it was asked of me, or if I was merely two minutes late to class, I would panic and believe that the teacher hated me forever. If I got anything below an A in a class, I would panic. You don't have to do everything by the book, and being a little late to class isn't the end of the world.

3. You don't have to be perfect. Leave room for growth.

You're not expected to know everything, even if it seems like it sometimes. There's no reason for you to simply understand what you're supposed to do and who you're supposed to be. Throughout the years at high school, you'll understand that you will grow and understand things better than before. It's a growing and learning process--you aren't supposed to have all of the wisdom or answers from the get go.

4. Put your mental health first. Take your time.

This is super important. High school can get very overwhelming and it may seem impossible to juggle it all. Usually, teachers or staff are a pain in regards to absences. I can't begin to say all the issues I've had with attendances. However, mental health days are necessary. If you wake up and feel like you cannot get through the day, stay home. Rest is very important for your body and mind.

5. Don't procrastinate.

Procrastination is going to be hard to avoid because a lot of other factors will come into your life. It is easy to let school become less of a priority, and you'll find yourself struggling to give it the same attention you used to. If you're not too careful, though, the assignments will pile on and you'll be even more stressed. If you learn anything from this piece, let it be to not procrastinate. It can and will be the end of you, trust me.

6. Don't be afraid to respect and love your teachers.

I dislike when people think they are too cool for school. Your teachers aren't your enemies. It is more than likely that teachers have your best interest at heart and want to help you out. They are there for you and because of you. Treat them with kindness and you may find a best friend in your teachers. Most of the time, they have great personalities that will make your high school experience more memorable.

7. Meet new people. Try new things.

A new school with new people can be hard to get used to for some. You may be too shy to join sports or make new friends. But I'm here to say that most people will be happy to talk to you. High school is nothing like the movies, and most people aren't going to be mean. No one is going to pressure you to do anything because no one truly cares, so be yourself.

8. Don't be rude.

You don't — and shouldn't — have to be mean to people. Everyone has their own problems, just as you likely have yours. Nothing will be gained by putting each other down. You are with these people for four years, and they will be the ones you graduate with. It is better to be on good terms with them so you have the best experience possible. Love your classmates and all the people around you, it will be a reward in itself.

9. You will change.

I don't know about you, but I was always convinced I would never change. I thought I would always be the same girl with the same values and same attitude. I am glad to say that was not the case. I am different and I am better for it. Change comes with every new experience, and it will lead you to things you may never expect. Changing may be the best thing to happen to you, so always keep an open mind.

10. Others will change.

This is probably the hardest thing for me to accept. I went through many changes in high school and so did others. Since I was worrying about myself, I didn't really notice that those around me were changing. Unfortunately, a lot of what I believe and what I want didn't coincide with their values anymore. That's fine, yes, but it does force me to consider the end of friendships that I never thought would come to a halt. I have had the same friends for close to 10 years now and the realization that some of those friendships will soon end after the school year comes to a close is a painful one to make. However, with growth comes change.