I was the textbook definition of a dud in grade school. I was never a part of the "popular" crowd. I was in marching band and drama club, and read fantasy novels in my spare time. I don't regret any of those decisions because I still had a lot of fun with the friends I had in those clubs, however, I do regret how I saw myself and how I acted in middle and high school. I was so focused on how I looked and if people liked me, and that took up so much of my time—time that I could've used to enjoy school more. If I had a time machine, I would definitely go back and teach myself a few things.
1. Don't be intimidated by the "popular crowd."
Anyone who is popular in middle or high school will lose that status when they get to college. Because people like that realize fast that the world actually doesn't revolve around them. Plus, there is no "popular crowd" in college. So just block those bullies out and go on with your day.
2. Enjoy eating junk food.
When you're in grade school, most likely you have an amazing metabolism. Cherish that and eat as many post-school day pizza rolls as you can, because that won't last forever! (Don't forget, "Freshman Fifteen is a real thing in college, so be ready.)
3. Respect your parents.
I know, parents can be lame and overbearing, especially when you're in grade school. But, at the end of the day, that's just a sign that they care about you and want you to learn a few things about responsibility, since you will need those lessons and put them to good use when you get to college.
4. Learn to stop procrastinating.
It's human nature to procrastinate. Everybody does it, but if you continue to do it throughout grade school it will get worse. It will affect your grades big time as they years go by and follow you to college. So try and break that habit while you're ahead!
5. Relationships are not like they're portrayed as on TV or in movies.
This is not high school musical. You can't just sing your way into love and everything ends happily ever after. Relationships, especially in grade school, are brutal, any kind of relationship is. They can destroy you and make you cry for weeks, but at the end of the day they make you stronger and teach you things for the next real relationships.
6. Get involved!
I'm not saying go overboard and be in every club like some over-achievers in grade school, I'm talking about one or two clubs to get yourself out there and meet new people. It can get your mind off all the meaningless drama that fills your head every day. Plus, it's an open door for scholarships and it looks great on a transcript for college. Colleges love involved students.
7. Drinking and partying every weekend is not "cool."
Going to little parties can be fun, but don't start to be known as the party piece of trash that needs to have a drink to be fun. Also, it's definitely more fun to not risk getting caught by police and having a record. There's other stuff to do that can be 10 times more fun, you just have to go out and find them. (Hint: College is coming and that is your time.)
8. It's okay if you're not the hottest kid in school.
It's not exactly a good thing to peak in grade school, so don't stress out about not being a 10/10. Your Cinderella moments will come in time. The people that are attractive and feed off that are the ones who will lose that charm when they're older. Focus more on how you are as a person because looks fade, personality is forever.
9. None of the drama, people or trends will matter in college.
When college rolls your way, that drama will fade away, those toxic people will go away, and the trends will be long gone. You will have new people who have real potential for a spot in your future and there will be new trends for you to soak up. It's your time to become who you really are, chase your dreams, and show success who is the real boss.
10. BE YOURSELF!
Grade school does not last forever, so enjoy being young and not having any responsibilities. But lastly, remember to be true to who you are. Be unapologetic and real, and look forward to college, because the grass is greener.
