With one semester of college under my belt, I feel qualified enough to give my high school self really really really great advice. So, without further ado, here is a letter to my high school self.
Dear High School Me,
I know there are things you're dying to know, so here we go: you are definitely not breezing through school. In fact, you're barely holding on. You do not have an amazing Instagram. You did not win the lottery the first time you played. You are not Twitter famous (yet). And no, you still don't have a super amazing boyfriend. I'm trying, OK?
The good news is, you are definitely going to evolve into someone you like a lot more than the person you are now. I know senior year is hard, and trust me, you're going to go through the ringer before the school year ends, but it will end, and you will be happy again. During second semester of senior year you'll become addicted to coffee, cry a whole lot, fight and make up with some of your closest friends, plan a huge party, get rejected from your dream school, quit drinking coffee, cry a whole lot more, get into the top public school in the country (go Bears) and most importantly, make the most incredible memories of your life.
Listen to me, I'm a college student so I'm required to know what I'm talking about — or at least act like I do. If there's one thing I learned from high school, it's that time is precious, and wasting it on frivolous things is just that: wasteful. My biggest piece of advice is to focus on the big picture. Don't stress the small stuff, because a year from now you will not remember it. My best memories in high school were not of me spending hours on homework, but the nights I dared to put down my textbook and go to a spontaneous movie night with all of my best friends. Don't be afraid to give yourself a break, you're only 17 — and trust me, school is not going to get easier, so enjoy this while you can.
Take advantage of your family's love. Go to that one movie your dad is dying to see. If your mom wants to take you to brunch, put on your favorite dress and make a day out of it. Set aside time to spend with your family, because when you go away next year, those days you said no to them will be what kills you.
Be spontaneous. Want to go to Miami for the weekend? Go. Want to go to that last minute concert? Go. Never ever miss out on the opportunity to be a kid. It'll be those moments of spontaneity that you will hold close to your heart even a year later.
Have courage. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. If you like your best friend, tell him. Don't wait six months only to find out he liked you too. If you think you deserved an A on that paper, meet with your teacher and ask for feedback. If you need help, ask for it. If you're sad and need a friend, tell them. If it's two in the morning on a Wednesday and you feel like your world is falling apart, call a friend.
Most importantly, be happy. Enjoy every second of what is to come in the exciting adventure that is high school.
As for College You, you're going to be OK. You're going to have ups and downs and you're going to surprise yourself in the strength that you develop, but more than all of that, you're going to be so much happier than you ever were in high school.
With Love,
College You
