Dear 13-year-old me,
You are about to embark on your teenage years where you will experience some amazing moments and meet some amazing people. There will be times where you feel on top of the world and times where you will feel like everything is closing in on you. You will experience in three different education levels (middle school, high school and a little bit of college), and at each stage you will learn something new about yourself. However, you’re only thirteen, so life is pretty good. It’s a simple time, but let me, your older, somewhat wiser self give you some advice.
Get out of the EMO phase.
I understand that all your best friends think it’s cool to wear black nail polish and too much eyeliner and jump up and down to My Chemical Romance (who you will still listen to occasionally for the memories), but this stage is not for you. Hang up your black band t-shirts, pull your hair back and move forward.
Be nice to your parents.
You’re at an age where you think you know everything and you want to fit in, so when mom and dad tell you that you cannot do something, try not to smart back to them. They love you, and one day you’ll appreciate everything they do for you.
Love your sister
Your sister is a grade A pain in your butt right now, but she will become one of your favorite people someday. Try to be nice to her. She loves you (I think).
Continue to work hard in school.
Your education is so important and all the hard work you will put in to your grades will pay off when you’re a senior looking for colleges and applying for scholarships. Also, middle school grades are a joke. Do your homework, but if you don’t feel like it, don’t do it in middle school. In high school it matters more.
Value your friendships
Your best friends at 13 will still be your best friends when you’re 20. The only difference is you don’t get to see them as much, so while you all are still together, love every moment and cherish every memory with them. You will go through rough patches, but your friendship will withstand that. Plus, you will never forget the homemade chicken soup or the late night talk sessions sitting in your kitchen eating chocolate chip cookies.
Don’t worry about being “popular”
When you graduate high school, all those people whom you wished you fit in so well with will go on to do their own things, and so will you. Do your thing in middle school and high school. Your true friends will always be your day ones. Popularity means nothing in the long run.
Your first relationship is not meant to last forever.
Maybe for some lucky people their first real relationship ends up being the only one they need. This is not the case for you or most people. You will learn a lot from your first relationship, and you will cherish the good times. The end of a relationship has this way of making you (and many people) feel like their world is crumbling, losing pieces you thought you needed. It’s okay though. Always know that there are many fish in the sea and that “this too shall pass.”
Believe in yourself
You are just as capable as anyone else to achieve whatever your heart desires. Don’t waste five years of your teenage years telling yourself otherwise.
Stay Weird
“…There is no one alive who is youer than you.” So stay weird. Eat your M&M’s and insert (what you think is funny) movie quotes to make awkward situations. Don’t lose your sarcastic, dorky humor because it will make people laugh (sometimes). Your clothes will probably never be stylish, and that is okay because plain clothes make you happy, but most importantly, enjoy every minute of your teenage years. It has its ups and downs, but you’ll make some memories that are unforgettable.
Sincerely,
You’re recently turned 20-year-old self
