Dear Sophomore in High School Alex,

So, I'll be honest: of all my years of high school, I probably remember sophomore year the least. My theory on why that is is that sophomore year was the first really 'good' year I'd had since 6th grade and I was so caught up in enjoying it, I wasn't at all focused on taking pictures or committing everything to memory. But memory lapses aside, I still have plenty of advice for you, because hindsight bias.

Your fashion sense is definitely improving, but you've still got about one more year before pants from stores like American Eagle and Hollister actually fit you. I know it isn't fair and it still isn't fair in 2016--you'll still struggle to find jeans that don't sag in the butt area or wrinkle around your knees and ankles.

Now, remember when I told you to stop plucking your eyebrows? Yeah, you took that one a bit too far. When I said to grow them out, I didn't mean "let them grow and then keep them that way." No. The shape they naturally grow in does not fit your face properly and with just a little bit of shaping, you could be golden. But instead, you're literally throwing up your hands and saying "Jesus take the wheel," except Jesus apparently didn't pass his driver's test and you look like a mixture of the 'Before' pictures of Princess Mia from The Princess Diaries and Sandra Bullock's character from Miss Congeniality. I give you permission once again to pluck.

So, that girl Anna in your Zoology class? You're already figuring it out, but she's hysterical and great and you should definitely continue to sit next to her. But don't forget to pay attention because Zoology is actually kind of hard and you really aren't that good at science, which is something you're probably finding out right about now.

Your taste in music is also evolving, which is definitely for the best. And you're going to discover Adele's music soon and it will change. Your. Life.

If you were hoping for a great romance to spice up your life, you're going to be a bit disappointed. I know you already suspect it, but your high school isn't exactly overflowing with the kind of boys you like, so choosing to spend as much time with your friends--because you have them now!--is a way better use of your time. Also high school boys tend to be weenies with little to no communication skills (not their fault, they just haven't had the time to work on them yet) so the frustration they bring on is 10X worse than any other kind of relationship angst.

Honestly, this is the only time in high school where I feel like you really don't need any of my advice. Seriously--you're doing good things and you deserve the break you're getting before you go into the hell that will be your junior and senior year. (Sorry man, it just get's harder from there.)

Some parting advice:

-Stop watching so many movies on Lifetime--you have homework to do.

-Make sure you blend out your under-eye concealer so you don't look insane.

-Try to be on time to more of your classes--it's a habit that carries over into your everyday life and annoys the crap out of everyone.

Bascially, you're doing fine.

Keep on keeping on.

Love,

Future Alex