College is cool because it is an opportunity to reflect back on your high school years once you have finally made it out of them... High school is fun. High school is full of adventure, and excitement and learning. High school is SO full of learning, and not just in the classroom. Here are just a few things I learned and I think everyone should know about high school…

1. Girls are mean. They are manipulative and will do whatever they need to do to look out for themselves. Be better than that.

2. Boys suck. They will rap you in with their contagious smile, then once they get bored they will leave without a word. Be cautious with boys.

3. Your first heartbreak is NOT the end of the world. Yes, he broke your heart and yes, you are allowed to cry and cry and cry until you cannot cry anymore. But it is not the end of you. Pick yourself up and move on.

4. Your best friends will save your life. They will be the ones who cry with you when your heart aches and laugh with you when your heart soars. They will be your “soul mate” when all of your relationships fail. Do not let them go, no matter how many stupid fights you may get in to.

5. Go to every football game and every event possible. High school goes by so quickly; don’t miss any opportunity you have to spend it with the people around you.

6. Senior year will stress you out; don’t let it. Balancing schoolwork and a social life can be exhausting; don’t let the school part ruin the social part for you. High school is supposed to be fun, make it that way.

7. Your ACT score matters. I know I know, your mom has told you this a million times. But take it from someone who has experienced it first-hand. Your ACT score can make or break whether or not you get a new car when you graduate and can fill the gap between you and your dream school. Study those extra few hours; it will pay off in the end.

8. Your mom will always be your biggest fan. Yes, you two will fight more than ever, and sometimes you may threaten to “run away,” but in the end, she is always right and only wants the best for you. Be sweet while y’all are under the same roof, you will miss her one-day.

9. TV shows sometimes trump textbooks. Trust me, you can learn some of your greatest life lessons from One Tree Hill, all while falling madly in love with Lucas Scott in the process. It’s kind of a win-win situation.

10. Take lots of pictures. Take pictures of you and your friends, take pictures of the sunsets, and take pictures of the things and people around you. People always photograph the things they are afraid to lose.

11. Fake it until you make it. No really, this is a real life strategy. Go out, have the time of your life, and fake happy until (surprise!) you actually are.

12. Do not let the crappy people ruin you. People will lie and cheat and hurt you. Do not become jaded or bitter. Use your pain to better yourself. It’s possible, I promise.

13. Date if you want to date. Don’t date if you don’t want to date. Chances are, you are not going to marry the person you date in high school and chances are he does not love you as much as he thinks/says he loves you. You are young.. Kiss boys and learn from past relationships, but do not ever convince yourself that you need a boy to be happy. Because guess what— you don’t.

14. Do not lose yourself while searching for ways to make someone stay. People will promise to never leave you. And then, they will leave you. It is okay to be sad when they do.

15. Be honest about your feelings – always always be honest. Send that reckless text at 3 am telling someone how much you love him or her. It will be terrifying at times, but always rewarding. Speak your mind even when your voice shakes. When they say honesty is the best policy, they aren’t lying.

16. If you are stressed, go to sleep. If you are sad, go to sleep. If you feel like your world is spinning in so many different directions and you are overwhelmed, go to sleep. There is nothing a long sleep will not fix, at least for a little while.

17. Wash your face every night. No matter how tired you may be, take off your makeup and wash your face. Your skin will thank you for that one.

18. Talk to people. Talk to the girl sitting next to you on the first day in a new class- she may become your best friend. Talk to your older sister about your problems- most likely, she has been there. Talk to your friends, talk to your pet, talk to that cute boy across the room. Learn things from these conversations.

19. Don’t feel stupid because you don’t like what other people pretend to love. If you love weird music, turn it up all the way and roll your windows down when you pull into the school parking lot. If you wear old t-shirts with jeans and raggedy converse every day while others dress to impress, wear them proudly. Trends will fade, love what you love.

20. Put your phone down. Please, I am begging you. Every once in a while, put your phone down and stare nature right in the face and be refreshed. You will never regret time spent away from the constant nagging of your iPhone.