Complete guide of tips and tricks to getting through high school written by a twenty-year-old that's somehow still surviving.
1. Girls Rule, Boys Drool
Remember when we all used to scream this phrase on the playground in Kindergarten? Well, I guess that was actually serious. Because if there's anything I've learned in my 20 years of life, it's that girlfriends are so much more valuable than boyfriends. Boyfriends come and go, but girlfriends are forever. This all may sound cliche, but there's a lot of truth behind it. When push comes to shove, and that boy you're dating breaks your heart for the first time, remember who will be there to T.P. his house and eat an unhealthy amount of chocolate with you.
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2. Don't Sweat Over One Bad Grade
If you're anything like me, then you do everything it takes to get that A. They tell you that if you don't do well in middle school, you won't get into a good high school. Then once you're actually in high school, they'll tell you that if you don't get straight A's, you'll never get into college. And if you don't go to college, then your life is basically ruined. Well, I'm here to tell you that none of this is true. What happened in middle school, most likely stayed in middle school. Unless you were the kid that peed their pants in 6th grade, that's still funny. High school grades are important, however, it's okay if you get a couple low grades every once in awhile. As for college, it's up to you. It's encouraged for all to participate in some sort of higher education, but if that path isn't the right fit for you, it's not the end of the world.
3. Relationships Don't Actually Matter
My parents told me I wasn't allowed to date until I was 16, but I'm almost positive I broke that rule. I just had to have a boyfriend like the other girls. Between the pressures to have a date to homecoming and having someone give you flowers on Valentine's Day, the phrase "fake it till you make it" became a true story. Now I was never the girl to send myself flowers, but I definitely might've exaggerated about the flowers my mom got me every year. To all the high school ladies out there, I'm going to let you in on a little secret, those high school hookups and relationships don't mean a thing once you graduate. There is a very slim chance of marrying your high school sweetheart, which was an important lesson I learned right out of high school. It's a concept I wish I would've learned sooner, but I recommend a healthy serving of Taylor Swift songs to go along with this realization.
4. It’s OK If You Don’t Go to the Cool Party
Crop tops and push up bras are a staple for the Friday night high school scene if you're anybody that's anybody, right? Underage drinking and having your first smoke are supposed to be what high school is for, I mean, that's what we see on TV. But honestly, I don't think this glamour happens for many - well, not for me at least. Instead I spent my high school years worrying that I'm doing high school wrong if these moments aren't perfect. I've learned now that if I wouldn't have spent this time worrying about if I was dressed the best or if my night was better than other peoples', I would've had a way better time. I put so much pressure on my social life to be absolutely fabulous, to the point that I didn't end up enjoying it. Now that I'm in college, I think I prefer to spend my nights hanging out with a few friends rather than going to the raging frat party a couple doors down. It's totally okay to not be at that party; in no way does that make you a loser.
5. Go Out of Your Comfort Zone
I think we can all agree that the teenage years are the most awkward years of your life. Actually, I take that back, I think plenty of us have been awkward since the womb. It's all just a matter of when you gain confidence and accept it. Being a teen forces you to face a lot of challenges, that really contradict your morals and foundation of self-esteem. Gym class was the biggest embarrassment for me. If I wasn't making up excuses as to why I shouldn't participate, then I was hiding in the back hoping no one would notice that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. But, on her second day at a new school, my best friend flew off of a treadmill while attempting to run in front of the hottest guy in our grade. At first, we decided she should probably just drop out of school and wear a bag over her head, but she seemed to be a bit smarter than me. She laughed it off, and people thought her giant scab was cool. If I would've had this attitude in high school, I think I'd be much farther ahead and have plenty more accomplishments in life.
6. Appreciate Your Parents
This is an area where I feel extremely fortunate. I'd like to take this space to thank my parents for having never-ending pride and love for me. I think a lot of teenagers take this for granted. Always make sure you say thank you, whether it's for an ice cream cone after a long day at school or buying you the perfect prom dress. After moving away from home, I think we all realize everything that our parents do for us. When you're with them all the time, it's not so obvious that having dinner put in front of you every night is a gift from God. After awhile you begin to look forward to those silly texts from your mom that make you laugh out loud. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything you do. #blessed
7. Take Pictures and Make Memories Last
My one regret from high school was not taking enough pictures. Not only do I want to remember my youth, but I want to be able to remember who I spent it with. When I'm old and wrinkly, I'd like to be able to laugh about the random nights at Taco Bell when we felt so cool for being out past our regular curfew. I hadn't realized the importance of making memories until I started a new stage in my life and had forgotten some key parts of the past. Create memories and make them last, whether it's journaling or photographing your way through life.
If you made it through high school, you've made it through the worst. To those still with it, may the odds be ever in your favor.
