As clichéd as it is to say, it will get better. You probably already think getting out of that school you’re in is going to make your life a lot better, and it is. You’re right to think you won’t miss it. You’ll rarely look back on your time there with a smile on your face. But high school isn’t the cake walk you think it’s going to be.
Don’t be disappointed you didn’t get into CAPA. It worked out for the best. You are meant to be going to Prep. The people you will meet and the friends you will make there are going to make you forget there was ever a time you didn’t want to go there. You’re going to be involved in so many clubs, you’ll be staying after school every day, but you’ll love it because Prep is going to be your second home.
But don’t think high school is this magical place where everything is going to be perfect. You’ll meet some bad people and make some friends that will hurt you in the end, but that’s a part of life. No, you’re not going to get a boyfriend and go out partying all of the time. But you are going to meet your first friend group and find a support system like no other.
Your grades will be better than ever before. But to get those grades, you can’t procrastinate and need to study A LOT. Just kidding, you’re going to be writing papers the night before they're due and studying the block before a big test. You’re just really lucky and good at bs-ing.
You’re going to be making a good amount of money too. You’ll have a summer job throughout high school that you’ll hate with all your heart, but a job’s a job and it will teach you a lot about the working world.
Graduating from high school will be one of the most bittersweet moments of your life. You’re saying goodbye to so much, but hello to so much more. College is going to be crazy. You’ll meet even more amazing people and build even more lifelong friendships. You do get to move away from home for college, but that’s one of the hardest things you’ll have to do. The first month will be an emotional roller coaster that often leaves you crying in your communal shower about how you just want to be home, but don’t give in. You’re going to stick it out, and it’s going to pay off.
Your procrastination will get a lot worse, but it’ll teach you just how much you need to work on your time management skills. You’re still not going to be a party animal because that’s just not who you are. But you are going to go to parties and realize just how awkward you are. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers (this is how you’ll meet your new closest friends) or be yourself at any point. You’ll meet amazing people through your friends and learn the central message: NETWORKING IS EVERYTHING.
You as a person have so much more room for growth. Your personality will change, and you’ll question so many things about yourself. Know that it’s fine to be confused and change things about yourself. Don’t worry about how other people will feel about it because it’s your life.
Love,
Yourself, a little older and a little wiser
