Just like anyone else, when I graduated high school, I could not wait to get out into the "real world," to be an adult, and most importantly, to get out of high school.

I grew up in a very small town where Pre-K through 12th grade were all in the same building. You knew everybody's full name, where they lived and probably more than they knew about themselves. In my school, when you graduate the eighth grade you move from the "grade school hallway" to the "high school hallway." I know what you are thinking, but trust me, it was a big deal. I got through my eighth grade graduation and could not wait for school in the fall.

Here it was. I finally made it to the legendary high school lockers. Little did I know that there was more to high school than just cool lockers. If only I knew what I do now. Here are ten things I wish I knew as a high school freshman.

1. High school is all about finding out who you are. Be friends with the jocks, the popular people and the nerds. Join all the clubs and get involved in everything your school has to offer. You will not find your true interests if you stay on the same path. Branch out and step out of your comfort zone. You will not regret it.

2. No matter how often (or how loud) coach yells at you, she is just trying to get you to reach your full potential. She would not waste her time yelling at you if she did not believe in you.

3. Never forget to give 110% in everything you do. Whether that is playing basketball, making good grades or working on your projects in wood shop class, give your all.

4. It is okay to be different. If you want to be in shop class (even if you are the only girl), go for it. If you want to color your hair pink, go for it. If you want to be on the Robotics team, go for it. Always try new things. Just be you.

5. Do not be too eager to grow up. It is not all that it is cracked up to be. Be fourteen, ride your horses, play with your kittens, watch your Disney movies, play with Legos, make your pancakes look like Mickey Mouse. You will miss it. (I still do some of these things... you are always young at heart).

6. Mom is right most of the time. This one is a little crazy and may be hard to believe. Your big brother will always be your best friend and loves you more than he leads on. Dad will always be a big push over, but do not be surprised if he "cleans his guns" every time your boyfriend comes over.

7. Hold true to your faith. High school can be a lot to handle at times, but that is life. Just know you can always count on God to guide and support you.

8. "High school will go by in the blink of an eye" is the truest saying ever. Make the most out of every single day. Yes, those math tests will be torture. Yes, basketball practice will be awful some days. Yes, you will dread staying up late to finish your homework. Yes, you will get tired of waking up early to feed all of the animals. Every day will pay off. Every day is worth it.

9. You will never be the smartest. You will never be the skinniest. You will never be the most athletic. You will never be the best singer. But you can be the kindest. Be the best you that you can be.

10. You will make many new friends and you will lose a lot of friends. That is perfectly okay. Life is too short to be worrying if someone likes you or not. Be you, make friends, never hold a grudge.

Lastly, a piece of advice that I still have to remind myself even today... life goes on!