Dear younger me,
How's life going? I'm sure you're probably sitting with your friends bitching about how much you hate high school and how tough you think your life is. I know you can't wait to grow up, start college and move out. Before any of that can happen you're going to go through a lot, some things good some bad. If I could go back and tell you what I know now I'm sure life would turn out a lot different for you. Unfortunately, I can't do that, but if I could this is what I would say to you.
Don't focus so much on what people think of you. So what if not everyone is your friend? It's not quantity that matters, it's quality. Having a few good friends is way better than having a lot of friends who don't care. Spend more time with the people who want to be around you and less time with people who are too busy to notice you are there.
If your best friend says a guy isn't worth it, listen to her. Chances are he'll only leave you with nights full of tears, rather than making you happy. If he doesn't treat you right he isn't worth your time. I promise you that he does not care about you as much as he makes you think, no matter what he says. Stop wallowing in self pity and focus on creating your own happiness.
Work harder in school. Everything may seem pointless now, but when you get that rejection letter from your dream school you're going to wish you had done more. Study harder for test, hand in every assignment, and live up to your full potential. And when you finally graduate realize that college is not like high school at all. You're teachers no longer care about you, the work load gets heavier, and the amount of stress you will experience is ridiculous.
You're going to miss home and your family. As annoying as they may seem, it's not going to be the same when you're alone in your dorm room. You'll get close with your new friends, but it's not the same. When you go off to school there is no one to cook your favorite foods, give you money, or let you borrow the car. You won't have your pets to cuddle up with at night, and you won't have your mom to comfort you when you're upset.
Going off and living away from home isn't what you think. You learn how to do a lot of stuff on your own and you may be alone sometimes. All in all it isn't so bad, but just remember that bad things are only temporary. Things always get better. Just don't rush to grow up, slow down and enjoy life a little. You'll regret it if you don't.
