1. High school is not going to be easy, but you are tough.
You know that saying, "High school is the best four years of your life?" Yeah, you won't be able to relate. High school is rough. You are going to meet thousands of new faces, fall asleep in classes, and get stabbed in the back a couple of times. BUT these four years are going to be fun. You are going to grow, and you are going to be thankful for the friends you make.
2. Take your studies seriously, but not too seriously.
You are not going to get perfect grades. I know that's a hard concept to grasp; you've been getting all A's since preschool. However, there is absolutely no need to stay up all night studying for a test or stressing out to the point of tears about a paper. Yes, you need to put forth effort, but an occasional 'B' will not ruin your chances of getting into college.
3. It is okay to ask for help.
"I got this." "Nobody understands me." "What if they judge me?" I know this is what you're thinking, but I promise you that you are not alone. Whenever you can't shake that anxiety inside of you, go ask for help. You are not weak. You are not any less of a person. Talking through problems really does help, believe it or not.
4. Straightening your hair everyday is not worth it.
I promise you that the hour it takes to get ready each morning is not worth the effort. No, you do not want to show up to school looking like a slob, but use that extra time to catch up on sleep; you know you could use it. Five years from now, you'll be wondering why you didn't embrace your natural hair sooner.
5. Do not wish your life away.
Oh, I know that being 15 can be so frustrating. You can't wait to be 16, so that you can drive on your own; graduation cannot come soon enough; living in your own dorm sounds like the dream. I know that it does, but trust me, time goes by so fast. Don't waste your high school years wishing for the future. I promise, 5 years will pass before you even know it.
6. No boy is worth losing friendships over.
Wow, this one is hard. Taylor Swift isn't kidding when she says "when you're fifteen and somebody tells you they love you, you're gonna believe them." First loves are so sweet, but do not abandon your friendships as soon as you find one. Your friends were there first, and as much as you doubt it now, those friends are going to be in your life way longer than any teenage boy will.
7. Modest is Hottest.
No longer are the days where you can wear spaghetti-strap tanks around town. You are 15 now, and you need to be conscious that your body is growing. For the love of all things, do not buy low V-neck shirts or the shortest piece of denim you can find. Dress to impress yourself, not others. (AKA boys)
8. Time heals all wounds.
That heartache you are going through won't last forever. It is so easy to be caught up in the pain and hurt right now, but give it time, and you will heal. I know it is hard to believe you will ever be the same, but you have to trust me on this. You WILL be okay.
9. Eat that cupcake. Eat that cookie. Eat whatever you want.
This is the time to try every kind of food you want!! Do not get so caught up with how your body looks that you refuse a piece of your mom's birthday cake. Being a size 2 is the not the most important thing in the world; take advantage of the rockin' metabolism you have before it is gone.
10. Tell your friends how much they mean to you.
I know what you're thinking, "But that's super awkward." No, it really isn't. Don't ever underestimate the power of spoken words. Make a point to tell your friends how much you love them every time you hang out. If they get creeped out, are they really your friends? Soon, you'll be wishing you didn't have to go months without seeing your best friends, so let them know how much you care while you still can.
11. Take lots of pictures. (But don't post them all.)
You are beautiful, braces and all. Do not let anything stop you from taking goofy pictures with your friends, family, and/or pets. Take pictures of your house, your school, your team. These pictures will last forever, and it is fun looking back at those "awkward years" later on. However, do not feel the need to post every selfie you take to Instagram or Facebook; most pictures are better kept as personal memories.
12. It is okay to say no.
If you would rather have a night in watching movies, it is okay to say no to a night out. You are in charge of yourself; nobody can force you to do anything. (Except mom and dad!!) Also, don't feel pressured to join every single club at school. Saying no to certain things is hard, especially if all your friends are doing it, but it sometimes opens the door to other opportunities.
13. Hang out with your sister as much as you can.
She is the only one who truly understands you. Sisters share a special bond unlike any other in the whole world. She may get on your very last nerve sometimes, but she loves you with all of her heart. Go make memories together; she really is the coolest person in the world.
14. Love your parents more.
Yes, your parents may seem like the most annoying people in the world right now, but one day you'll actually look back and the regret all the times you locked yourself in your bedroom. Go out and watch movies with your dad and play Yahtzee with your mom. Get to know their past, and remember that even though you cannot wait to be out of the house someday, they never want their baby to leave.
15. Relax. You got this.
Breathe. No matter what this crazy year brings, you are going to rock it. Have fun, make lots of memories, and hug your loved ones' necks. You are only 15 once, so fangirl all you want, and live it up!!
