Dear Freshmen,

Welcome to the next four years of your life. High school has been compared to many things -- prison, hell, the best four years of your life. They tell you that the girls are vicious and the guys will use you. You won’t keep friends. You’ll get your heart broken. You’ll be bullied. You’ll hate it.

But what they don’t tell you is that you’ll get through it. The time will fly by. You’ll making amazing friends. You don’t have to be the “popular kid.” You’ll come out stronger than before. So right now, I want you to get every assumption about high school out of your head, because it probably isn’t right. That's right, every single movie and TV show is wrong.

Girls: you’ve heard all the stereotypes about you before. You’re stupid. You’re easy. You’re fake. You’re too emotional. Well, I hate to say it, but these stereotypes won’t go away. But let’s get one thing straight: none of it is true. And I’ll admit, you’re going to have to fight like hell to not let those petty statements bother you, but remember one thing. You are important. You aren’t stupid. You’re not cold, you’re just careful about who you let in because you don’t want to get hurt. You aren’t easy, you just trust people. You’re not fake, you’re just nice to everyone. And you aren’t too emotional, you just care about everything and everyone because you have such a big heart. So don’t let people pick apart who you are because they’re insecure. Chances are, they’re just like you.

Boys: you’re all players. You’re just a jock. You’re ‘friend-zoned.’ You just want to get some. Well these stereotypes aren’t going anywhere, either, but don’t let them become who you are. Guys are some of the best friends anyone can have. I don’t care how ‘tough’ a guy is, things bother them just as much as something bothers a girl. But here are just a few tips. Don’t try to be cool and fit in with all the other guys who are jerks -- it doesn’t make people like you. You aren’t all players, you’re just looking for the right girl, but don’t be surprised when you don’t find that in high school. You aren’t just a jock, because there is so much more to you than just a football or a hockey stick. You’re not friend-zoned forever, you will find someone. You all aren’t looking to ‘get some,’ some of you are actually nice and want to be friends. So don’t let yourself become the stereotypical guy who brags about how many girls they got in high school; it’s more impressive if you just keep one.

Don’t let your expectations of high school hold you back from anything. Make new friends, be loud, be the 'smart jock,' get out of your comfort zone. You’re not the stupid freshmn everyone will say you are. There is so much more to all of you than that ridiculous title, so prove it wrong.

Sincerely,