Dear High School Self,
You thought moving to a new state and starting fresh was the end of the world. You were reluctant to make new friends and felt like you struck out. Sure, your freshman year was hell and it sucked, but the three years following that were pretty great. Each one had a challenge or two, and I applaud you for handling them in such a mature manner (at least, for a teenager). You faced a good amount of challenges, but were able to push through them.
I know that you didn't want to lose certain friends or watch them leave. You didn't understand why people had to change— and not in a good way. Know that keeping negative people in your life isn't worth it. All it will do is cause you pain and worry, and I know you have more self-respect than that. Don't hate the fact that you never hung out with the "cool" kids, got drunk on the weekends, or went to parties. Once you hit college, there is plenty of time for the latter two activities. In the end, how popular you were in high school doesn't matter when college rolls around. I bet you didn't think that you would have found someone you "loved" come your sophomore year and that you both would eventually grow apart. It seemed like the end of the world at the time and felt like you had your heart ripped out. I wish I could have told you not to shed a tear over it and that it wasn't "love." I would have told you how amazing college was going to be and how much adventure you had coming your way. Doors were going to be opening, left and right.
Know now that you don’t need to worry about your appearance 24/7. The number on the scale is just a number. It doesn’t determine your worth. Don’t be afraid to eat dessert after dinner or that extra plate of french fries. Just try your best to feel comfortable in your own skin. If only I could have told you not to worry about what other people want you to do. You need to do what makes you happy and what you feel is right for yourself. You are never going to be able to please everyone, so, when you mess up, remember that. Don’t go to college and choose a major your family wants you to do— go and do what you want to do. Chase your dreams. If you start to struggle, don’t feel like you are alone. Know that you do have friends who will be there for you, no matter what. The friendships you make in college will end up being some of the strongest. Prepare yourself for a challenge, but know that, in the end, it will be worth it. You are a beautiful, talented, strong-willed, and independent individual. Embrace all of those qualities and put them to use. Read this letter carefully and realize that high school is just the beginning.
Love,
College Self
