Dear Jake,

I know our age gap doesn’t always make us the closest, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. You’re starting high school in a few weeks and although that makes me feel very old, I’d like to give you some advice. Don’t roll your eyes at me because I know what I’m talking about. I’m a high school graduate and after two years of being away from high school, I’ve learned a few things and would like to share some great pieces of advice.

They’re going to say this a lot on the first day, but it’s true. It. Goes. Fast. I distinctly remember my first day of high school being told the four years ahead of you will fly by. I rolled my eyes and thought I’d be stuck in high school forever. But, next thing I knew I was walking across the stage with a diploma in my hand. I promise you it will go fast so make the most of it. Here are some ways to make these fast four years count.

I know Mom and Dad BEAT YOUR EAR about this and I hate admitting how true it is, but you need to do well. Especially your first two years. If you start out with a great GPA and awesome grades, slipping up later in your high school career won’t have much of an impact on you. And trust me, come Senior year when Senioritis hits like a ton of bricks, you’ll be glad you started off high school doing really well. Ask for help, study hard, and your future self will thank you, trust me.

Don’t be discouraged if you’re not the best thing Bishop McDevitt High School has ever seen. You don’t want to be. Do you want to be the best student and athlete you can be? Of course! But don’t be too hard on yourself to be a great all-star. Of course you want to do well in high school, but for some, high school is the “peak” of their lives. That means life will never get better than it was in high school, and you don’t want that. There is a lot more to life than high school. Have fun, work hard, be your best, but don’t be hard on yourself when you’re not the hot shot of the school.

You’re going to make lots of friends who will last a lifetime. You’ll had a great squad freshman year that will dwindle to a close few senior year. And that’s OK! My close few from senior year is still my close few to this day and they are the greatest friends I could ask for. Keep the good ones close and don’t bother with those whose best intentions aren’t in their hearts. Your great friends will get you get you through those four years and beyond, so recognize that they are a blessing.

I know you’re going to do great things in high school. I’m very proud of you and can’t wait to come home to see your play football and do great in academics. Please take my advice because I promise I know what I’m talking about. I’m always here for you and Nick is, too. It may be hard being the only kid home, but we are here for you and want you to do well.

Have fun, study and play hard!

Love you!

Kyla