It's safe to say that the majority of us who are out of high school have looked back and realized how much they wish they knew what they know now. Life, mistakes, experiences, loss and love have all taught us lessons that have changed our outlook on life. And with each new experience comes a new perspective. There is always something new to learn and new ways to better yourself and your life. Coming from a new perspective as a college student, I have realized how much I wish I enjoyed and worried less while trying to make it through the unpredictable storm that is high school. These are the top 11 things I would tell myself if I could go back and do a few things differently over the past four years:
1. One day, their words won't matter.
For the times when there were people who went above and beyond to try to bring us down, remember that they are never right in what they say about you. Take the people who try to knock you down and show them how strong and determined you really are.
2. You won't even remember that test you failed.
Pretty soon, you won't even remember that biology test you pulled an all-nighter studying for but failed anyway. One bad grade won't kill you. Stop worrying.
3. Keep going.
Even if sometimes it hurts like hell, there is always something good coming in the future to look forward to. Never ever give up on the brightness that's ahead of you.
4. Never give up on those dreams.
Never stop working towards the dreams and goals that you have had since you were little. No matter how ridiculous or unrealistic they may seem, the only thing stopping you from pursuing them is you.
5. Enjoy every moment you have with your best friends.
One day you will all move to different places and it will never be the same. Enjoy all of the laughs and memories you share with them while you can. Cherish the fact that you are together every day of high school. You will miss it.
6. Nothing that happens in high school ever means the end of the world.
Even if you come home crying because that boy doesn't love you or because you embarrassed yourself in front of the whole school, I promise you that a year from now, none of that will matter or be remembered. And most likely the things you do remember, you can laugh at.
7. It's OK to skip class to get Starbucks with your best friend.
It won't kill you to miss gym class a few times. You will create so many more memories and adventures during the times you were supposed to be responsible. Take a few risks.
8. You're a kid. Be a kid.
Stop trying to grow up so much. In the very near future, you're going to realize how much you wish you could go back and be young and stupid. Life goes by too fast. Stop wishing time away.
9. Thank your parents more.
As much as they annoy us sometimes, you will miss them when you leave home. When they ask you to go to dinner, say yes. Go bowling with them, even if it embarrasses you. Take advantage of the time.
10. Tell people how much they mean to you.
As hard as it is to realize, the future is unpredictable and the people in your life now may not always be there. Things happen and sometimes the world throws things at us that cannot be prevented. While you still can, tell everyone you love that you love them.
11. Take lots of pictures.
These are the moments that you are going to look back on for the rest of your life. Whether it feels like it or not, these four years will be some of the best you will ever have. Capture them. Remember them.
