1. Freshmen year matters.

Many people consider Freshmen year the ‘grace’ period of their high school career, which simply isn’t the case. Take advantage of the fact that your classes will only get harder from there on out, and ace that algebra test. Your GPA will thank you later.

2. Go to the football game.

Going to Friday night football games was a rare occurrence for my first few years of high school. I eventually regret the decision to stay in after hearing all the fun stories my friends told at school the following Monday. Not only do you gain a great sense of school spirit, you grow closer with your classmates cheering them on from the stands.

3. That boy won’t matter in six months.

I made the silly mistake of letting a few relationships tear me apart in high school. Dust yourself off, girl. There are plenty of cute fish in the sea.

4. Try-out! The worst they can say is no.

Get involved. Get involved. Get involved. High school becomes so much more enjoyable when you’re doing something fun like joining sport teams or school clubs. You also meet some amazing people that you otherwise wouldn't have hung out with.

5. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a date to homecoming.

My senior year of high school I did not get asked to homecoming. A few of my friends were going as a group, but the humiliation of being one of the few left stag was overwhelming. After picking up an extra shift at work that Saturday night, I came home to my social media timeline overflowing with cliche homecoming pics. Needless to say, I missed out and I know that I did.

6. Never cram the night before.

It’s really quite simple: just don’t. Studies show that although you may feel prepared, your brain can only retain a certain percentage of material in long-term memory when cramming. Instead, pace yourself. Take a week or two in advance to study for a half hour to an hour each day. This study habit will do wonders for your test scores.

7. If you need help, ask for it.

This was by far the tip that I failed at the most. My pride got the best of me, and I found it difficult to speak with my teachers on areas in the class I was struggling in. My grade at the end of the semester showed for it. Don’t let that be you.

8. You will gain friends and you will lose friends. It’s all a part of life.

I had a ton of friends my freshmen year and as soon as junior year hit, I suddenly didn’t. My friends left my life for a variety of reasons. I was devastated. After speaking with my mom many times on the subject, (and a few years of growing up), I realized that the friends you come into high school with most likely won’t be the ones you walk out with. People change, and that fact alone is out of your control. So, for the meantime, take it easy.

9. This world doesn’t owe you anything.

Enough said.

10. Caring what other people think of you doesn’t harm anyone but yourself.

As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I know this feeling all too well. I cared way too much about the opinions of others while in high school. I gauged my actions off of the reactions of my peers, and let that dictate the person I was at school. I say, screw the system. You’re the person that has to look in the mirror each day. Make the reflection looking back at you something you’re proud to be. Be kind. Be thoughtful. And, most of all, be humble.