Ah, high school, undoubtedly everyone's favorite time of their life. From the constant judging, worries you'll never fit in, turbulent relationships, stressing about your future, and emotions that run wild, it's an unforgettable experience. My experience wasn't unlike many peoples', I was bullied relentlessly, I've had my fair share of questionable relationships, and drama just seemed to follow me wherever I went. Now that I'm in college, I feel like I've gained enough experience to come up with a pretty good list of what every high school student should know.
1. It's okay to not have a plan.
You're best friend has a college all picked out, your mortal enemy has a future career path they're already working on, hell, even your dog knows what he's going to do within the next couple of years. And there's you: completely clueless. While your parents, friends, and some teachers might be emphasizing that you have to have everything figured out, it's absolutely normal not to know what the heck you want to do! The great part about being young is that you can always figure it out later, don't sweat it. You're going to be fine.
2. Give yourself a break.
You're stressed out, your mental health is in shambles, and you feel yourself spiraling down into a dark hole. Take a deep breath and figure out what's really important to you. Stop studying for an hour and take a walk or play a video game, call and chat with a friend, ask your little brother how he's doing. It's okay to take a break from school to focus on your mental health, or spend time with your family.
3. If you're not ready for college, don't go.
This is a big one. I graduated high school in 2014 and I just started college this fall. Which brings me to my next point, if you don't think you can handle college, don't force yourself. College costs a lot of money, and causes a lot of stress. Before you rush out to start applying, think about it. Is your mental health in a good enough place to begin your college career? What about your financial situation? Are you getting scholarships, financial aid, or do you have to take out loans? If your mental state and bank account is burnt out, save yourself the stress and take a few years off. Save some money. Do things that make you happy. Get yourself back on the right track. Once you do that, you can assess yourself again and decide if college just isn't for you or if you really want to go!
4. Romantic relationships don't really matter.
They usually just don't. With a few exceptions of course, like my aunt and uncle were high school sweethearts and they've successfully been married for years and had four children together, but that is a rarity. If you're a romantic, like myself, your first love is going to absolutely shatter you. You'll be broken, you think you'll never love again, and you'll think you're doomed for a life of loneliness. it's going to hurt, but keep in mind that this won't last forever.
5. You don't have to identify.
The world of sexuality is such a confusing and sometimes isolating place. You may see all of your friends coming out and you may think they are so sure of who they're attracted to and what they feel. I was so confused in high school. I surrounded myself with other LGBT people, but nobody actually told me it's okay not to label yourself. Was I bi? Pan? Just faking it? I was so sure about those three things in my adolescence, but coming into my twenties, I realize that I was always a lesbian. Some people know who they're attracted to right away and that's wonderful and their identity is valid, but if you don't that's okay too.
