There are so many moments in high school, from your first day freshman year trying to find your way around the school, to turning your tassel senior year that I wish I could've told myself about. Like the fact that not everyone is going to like you- and that's ok.
I'd start by telling my 16 year old, stressed out personality that your SAT score is not a measure of your worth as a human being. The late nights you spend doing massive amounts of homework will pay off. Your dedication to all your studies will be reflected in what you do for the rest of your life. I'd remind myself that a five paragraph essay is nothing compared to college, so shut up and suck it up. That zit you got on senior prom night won’t be the worst thing that ever happens to you. Who you sit with at lunch won’t make up your social circle and friends for the rest of your life. I used to panic at the thought of who I would sit with, and I can genuinely look back now and laugh at how foolish I really was.
Teachers aren’t just good for writing recommendations. Listen to what they have to say. I hate to admit it, but nine times out of ten the teacher was right and I would've done better on the exam had I put in a little more effort. The outfit you wear on the first day of school isn’t actually all that important. No one really cares how old your shirt is, how many times you've worn it or whether or not it's "in". Relax, do your own thing, and stop worrying about everyone around you. Do things for you. Pay attention in your foreign language class. Being fluent in another language will come in handy. Three years into college I'm kicking myself in the behind because I wish I would've listened to Señor Reichert. The people who make the yearbook bust their ass and spend an insane amounts of time making sure that every piece of writing doesn't have a spelling error and that everyone is mentioned somewhere. Thank them. When you're 40 at your class reunion you'll realize the importance of having those memories down on paper.
You’re not the only one who feels nervous about sex. The number of people you sleep with won't always make or break you. And don’t think about community service as something you just have to do for your résumé. It costs $0 to be a great person. Make the most of it and just have a good time. Talking shit about people behind their back is stupid, and they usually end up finding out and you're going to look like a clown. Don't do it.
High school isn't the best years of your life, and life after graduation gets better. The four years surrounded by nagging teachers, fashion suicide dress code, and the worst heartbreak ever will make you a strong individual and will properly prepare you for the rest of your life.
