what you'd say to your younger self
Start writing a post
Student Life

To 12-Year-Old Me, Thanks For Staying Strong

A lot happens in these 6 years, kiddo. Listen up.

433
To 12-Year-Old Me, Thanks For Staying Strong
Jessica Prowell

I'm gonna start off with saying that school, crazily enough, gets easier. You're a pretty smart girl so you don't have many issues there (Count your blessings). Don't listen to the mean kids. You aren't ugly because you have acne, wear your brother's old clothes, or because you're chubby. You've always been a confident kid, PLEASE don't lose that. Choosing home school is an amazing idea, and you're gonna make so many friends. Stick to your guns and convince mom and dad with everything you've got. Oh, and hold onto them; they're the best parents in the world and you're so lucky to have them. You had a rough year last year, but you've got to remember papaw and papaw chief both loved you a lot, and it does get easier.

You're gonna have a rough few years headed to you, too.

In about a year, a close family friend will commit suicide and that will affect your life more than you expect. After that, dad will be diagnosed with cancer and will pass away 10 months later. You have to (HAVE TO) stick with mom through everything. You need each other more than anyone else in the world.

Don't push away your friends. They'll be there for you even when you don't deserve it or expect it (shout out to Jodie, Sarah, Hannah, Mackenzie, Brighton, Victoria, Kara and Raelynn). Most importantly, do NOT let anyone tell you how you should or should not grieve. Grieving is a very personal experience and everyone does it differently.

You will hurt for years, you will continue to hurt for the rest of your life; but you get used to it. It doesn't "get better over time," you get used to the pain and learn how to function with it. If someone tells you to "choose happiness" you have to remember: sometimes choosing happiness is getting out of bed in the morning.

Happiness is subjective.

During this time you're going to move houses, go through 3 jobs, gain a ton of friends, lose a few best friends, change your church, be in (and out) of your first romantic relationship, gain and then lose some weight, graduate high school, and daily overcome depressions, anxiety and PTSD.

You're going to grow up a lot over these short years, but thankfully you don't lose your sarcasm or your sweetness (you're also super humble). Word of advice: stay true to who you are, as corny as it sounds, because you were made exactly how God intended you to be. You go through so much through the years, but sticking with Him is how you're going to survive.

James 4:7 - "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." KJV

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57538
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37060
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958793
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191258
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments