As I am rounding out the last few months in my teens, I took a look back at the things I wish I had known when I was 15. If you are currently 15, you’re probably going through an awkward stage, like getting a face full of zits and trying to cover it up with way too much foundation. Girl, we’ve all been there… But hopefully this advice might make your freshman year a little less painful than mine.

1. Don’t just do things because it’s “cool.”

Do things because you WANT to do them. If you want to join the school play, but all of your friends think that it’s lame, do it anyway. The only thing that you’ll regret is not doing what you wanted to do.

2. Your Dad is ALWAYS right.

I mean it… He is ALWAYS right. When he tells you not to do something, just don’t do it. Chances are, he has been through something similar to what you are going through and he doesn’t want you to make the same mistakes. Trust him.

3. Your mom is your best friend.

I know that you probably don’t see it now, but your mom is the best person in your life. One day you will be at college with your head in the toilet because you have the flu, wishing your mom was there. Everything she does is because she cares.

4. That senior guy who you think is cute, is a bad idea.

Yep! He’s probably a hunk, but he’s also a huge ass and not worth your time. That’s all.

5. Not everyone will like you, but that’s okay.

You are going to go through so many friends in high school. Not everyone is going to be your BFF, and that’s okay. Find friends who empower you, not break you down.

6. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.

Sometimes your view on something is going to be different than someone else’s. Just remember to stand up for yourself and never let anyone change who you are and what you stand for.

7. Being the “smart” girl will get you further in life than being the “cute ditsy” one.

It’s not (and never will be) cute to be dumb. Contrary to what 15-year-old boy’s think, being the smart girl is a lot sexier and will get you a lot further in life.

8. The things you are going through now WILL get better.

I promise you that in 5 years none of this will matter. Quite frankly, you’ll even have a tough time remembering your freshman year of high school in five years. Let it go. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems.

9. Don’t wish your life away!

The worst thing I ever did was grow up. Stay as young as you can, for as long as you can. Being 15 is not the worst thing in the world.

10. Your friends are more important than your boyfriend.

I know this might sound a little harsh, but it’s true. When you’re 15 years old, your life should not revolve around a boy. You should be out making memories with your best friends and not having a care in the world! There will come a day when a man will be more important than your friends, but today is not that day.

11. Create a healthy lifestyle now!

There will come a time when you won’t be playing sports anymore, and trust me, it hits you hard. You never realize how much sports keep you in shape until you aren’t going to practices anymore. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

12. BUT… Eat the extra slice of pizza!

In the future you will look back on pictures of you and wish you were as fat as you were when you thought were “fat.” You are NOT fat. Do not be obsessed about the way you look. Not everyone has a thigh gap and is a size 2. You’re beautiful just the way you are!

13. Don’t be dramatic.

Don’t be the girl that takes everything too far. Not everything is worth a scene.

14. Enjoy not having big responsibilities.

There will come a day when you have to pay for gas, do your own laundry and find your own source of food. It is not fun.

15. Always, always, always be true to yourself.

Don’t give in to peer pressure. Find who you are and follow your heart.