Dear High School Self,
I know what you're thinking: this is just one of those letters from your future self, warning you about things that might happen in the future and advising you to enjoy things while they last. They will never be the same again. Well, you're kind of right.
This IS one of those letters, just less cryptic and more reassuring. I'm not here to tell you to not worry and everything will work out in the end because I know, you already know that. You've always known that anyway. I'm here to tell you to cherish your time while you have it. This is to my freshman self, my sophomore self, my junior self, AND my senior self. These are are the things I would go back and change if I could.
Do your work on time when you actually have the chance. I know, between the school day, marching band rehearsals, track practices and meets, wind ensemble evenings, concerts, showering, and sleeping; it seems like you have virtually no free time at all.
With the time you actually do have, do your homework, projects, and READ THAT ENGLISH BOOK. I know it sucks. I know you would rather be scrolling through Instagram or texting your lit group chat, but procrastination becomes a habit. Everyone in the whole world knows about it. But it will be worth it to do the work sooner rather than later so that you spend less time working up late at night and more time sleeping or socializing.
Say "Yes" more often. Even though some things don't really sound like fun, such as cleaning your room or helping your friend with their homework; you'll feel so much better after it's done. There's almost nothing more satisfying than finishing cleaning and then coming back to a clear, uncluttered space. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing you helped someone else.
Go out with your friends more often, even if you feel like staying in bed and watching Netflix instead. Ask new people to hang out, even if it's in a big group. Make more friends and give your time to other people, too.
Stop obsessing over that girl you really don't like. I know that she's annoying and has a bad attitude, but you've done everything in your power to change that. People won't change if they don't want to, trust me. You're not doing anyone any good by obsessing over how much you don't like her and talking about her all the time.
Plus, everyone else is probably tired of hearing about it, too. If karma happens, then it happens. You don't ever have to see her again post-high school if you don't want to. There is nothing you can do about it. Suck it up and move on. The drama is NOT. WORTH. IT.
Spend more time with your family. I know this is easier said than done, especially with all the free time you don't have, but seriously do it. Things happen. Some people can't be with you as long as you would like them to be.
Things can happen in an instant and you're going to regret it later on if you don't give them everything now. Sure, you'll miss them when you go off to college, but the reality is that they'll probably miss you a lot more. You're going to miss home-cooked meals, clean bathrooms, and that little extra bit of pocket money.
Treasure the time you have with your best friends. More than likely, you're probably not going to end up going to the same schools. You all have different aspirations and future paths ahead of you. Your schools can end up being anywhere from 20 to 2,500 miles away from each other. Make the most of the time you have now because you're going to miss them.
Of course, you'll make new friends to keep yourselves busy, but even the smallest thing can send you back to the good times you had together. Keep in touch and try not to forget where you came from.
It's okay to make mistakes. You're still a kid, so don't feel like you have to be perfect in everything you do. Even when your parents expect perfection, it's okay to make mistakes here and there. It's more important to live in the moment. It's okay to think about the future, in fact, it's encouraged but don't obsess over it. Live in the now and do everything you want to do.
College is a blast but there are days where, of course, I miss my high school days. I had a wonderful high school experience but I know now that if I had taken my own advice, I would have enjoyed it to an even fuller extent.
So, take this as you will. It is not a warning but a reassurance. You will be perfectly fine and things will work out, just remember to enjoy the things you have now.
You'll miss it. I promise.
With love,
Your Future Self
