High school is a difficult, painful and confusing time. I experience a whole lot of heartbreak, pain and emotional problems that forced me to do a lot of growing up in those years, and I credit the drama I went through in high school for making me the person I am today. But it wasn't until I made it through a year of college and got to really look back and understand how different my life is now, that I realized I had a few things to say to girls that are in high school right now.

So for all the 16-, 17- and even 18-year-old girls right now that are still finding themselves and trying to navigate the difficulties that can be high school, here's a few words of wisdom I wish I'd known when I was your age, from someone who was in your shoes a little over a year ago.

1. Popularity doesn't matter.

I know it seems like the most important thing in the world right now, trust me, I've been there. But just know that two years after you graduate, when you're out in the real world and no one cares about who you hung out with on the weekends or who you went to lunch with during your off-periods, you'll look back at how catty you were just to fit in with the "popular" girls and be embarrassed that you ever acted that way.

2. Stop posting half-naked pictures of yourself on social media.

I know this is a time in your life when you want attention from guys, and I'm sure that picture on your Instagram of you in your bra with your cleavage pushed up results in plenty of DM's late at night, but trust me when I say that isn't the type of attention you want to be getting. And a year, two years, three years from now when you're trying to get a real job or internship, your interviewer is not going to be as impressed by that as those idiotic 16-year-old boys are.

3. If you don't respect yourself, no one else will either.

This one goes hand-in-hand with the last one. Us girls set our own value in this world, so act accordingly. While it might sound harsh, I've seen this all too much lately, and if you act like trash, that is exactly how you will be treated. I know it might seem cool to brag about how many guys you've slept with and to dress in skimpy clothes to get attention. I know you want guys to know you're not some prude, that you're a "cool girl." But unfortunately, all that's going to result in is them realizing they can walk all over you and get away with it because every guy before them has.

4. Care about your grades, and be proud of being smart.

In the real world, intelligence is something to strive for. Not everyone is lucky enough to have it, and it matters. Don't ever let anyone convince you that your grades don't matter and that being smart is something you should hide. They do, and it isn't.

5. Stop letting "subtweets" and other forms of social media drama get to you.

If there's one thing I look back and regret from high school, it's how much I let bitchy girls and cruel boys control me, all via social media. I specifically remember one day that I faked sick and refused to go to school because the night before, a bunch of the "popular" kids that I had apparently made angry just by existing, were tweeting mean things at me. At the time, it felt like my world was ending. I was humiliated and scared. Now looking back it feels like the most ridiculous thing in the world. I still see all too much of this today, and it still makes me angry. Stop letting this type of bullying hurt you. Turn off your phone and step away from it.

6. Stand up for yourself.

If I could only give you one piece of advice, this would be it. I got bullied all throughout high school and it wasn't until senior year that I started standing up for myself. And once I did, the "mean girls" weren't a problem anymore. All it takes is holding your head high and refusing to let them get to you, and after awhile they'll realize they can't hurt you any more. Stand up straight, walk with your head high, and don't let petty people who are just insecure control you. You'll be much better off, I promise.

7. Don't try to fit in.

The hardest part about high school is attempting to follow the status quo. I tried way too hard and it ended badly for me. When I got to college, I realized that being charismatic, outgoing and bubbly isn't a bad thing like everyone tried to make me believe it was in high school. Be yourself, and be damn proud of who that is. If you're loud, be loud and don't care what anyone says about it. If you like a different kind of music, blast it in the parking lot and let them see that you love it. Be the girl who wears cowboy boots instead of Steve Maddens, if that's what you want to do (I did and I was a hell of a lot happier) If you want to dress differently, do it with pride. No one really "fits in," and trying will only end with losing yourself in the process.

8. Be kind.

I know this is cliché, but bear with me. I know in high school it's cool to be cruel and rude to be funny. But, every single person you meet is undoubtedly fighting their own battles. Whether they're struggling with their home life, their grades, their friends. A little bit of extra kindness can go an unbelievably long way. I remember one day when I had to come to school the day after I had been humiliated at a football game, I was terrified and on the verge of tears. Someone, a total stranger, went out of their way to hold the door open for me and that was all it took to give me the courage to face that day. Pick up someone's books when they drop them, smile at them in passing, hold the door open. It takes two seconds out of your day, but it will make theirs.