Dear young, shy and frightened freshman me,

Going into your freshman year of high school is scary. It's easy to get lost in such a big school full of kids who are older and scarier than you. And yes, going to two schools is as hard, if not a lot harder, than it seems, especially when you get home at 5:30 p.m. every single day. But trust me, it's all worth it.

High school is nothing like it is in movies. There are cliques, but they aren't out to get you. In fact, you're so quiet, I don't think many people will notice you or pick you out in a crowd easily, but that's OK. Having a big brother as a senior to show you the ropes is always helpful, too. He won't be embarrassed to say hi to you in the hallways or walk you to a class or two. Please don't be afraid to ask him for help.

Your classes are not hard. Apply yourself. You don't realize it, but your time at high school is going to fly by, and before you know it, you'll be going into your senior year with ambitions and dreams. Don't ruin it now with a few crappy grades. And trust me, I know gym sucks, but you only have to take two years of it. Change into the damn clothes and suck it up.

Your second school, RCA, starts out even scarier than your normal high school. You've at least seen or heard of most of the people in your home high school, but this arts school has kids from all over the state. It's scary for a small, shy person, but don't let it phase you. Go in there and show your passion. You're going to want to quit because you don't know anyone and feel shy and alone, but don't. You don't know it yet, but you're going to meet some of your very best friends there, and you're going to be loved and supported like you've never been before. Being there will show you what you want to be and it will make you the best you can be. Don't take it for granted.

Another thing you'll start noticing more in high school is boys. Don't get too caught up in them. Just because you are old enough to have a serious relationship does not mean you'll find one. Don't waste your time on people who don't give you the time of day. Don't fall in love with the attention someone is giving you and make yourself believe you're in love with the person. The best times are surrounded by your newly found friends.

Friend groups are fun, but many don't last. It'll break your heart, but it doesn't mean you have no one. What you had was great, but you don't have to stop being friends with them separately. Some people drift from you. You can try to get it back, but sometimes it won't be the same. You can't change that. Don't dwell on it, life moves on.

You are stronger than you think you are. You can overcome many things. You can do amazing things that you never knew you could. Freshman year, you start fresh. You get recognized for your hard work and when you fall down, you pick yourself up again. Freshman year is going to be one of the best years of your high school career. I still have one more year to go, but you have many. Cherish them. Cherish each moment that you have, both good and bad. Remember that it's okay to fail sometimes. Remember that you are always loved. It may seem scary now, but it won't be for long. This is just the beginning.

Sincerely,

Older, braver, soon-to-be-senior me