My almost 13-year-old cousin Sara is about to start high school next year, and I cannot believe it. Looking back I remember how confusing that age was, and how sometimes frustrating life could be. So I wrote this list for her hoping that whenever she needs advice she can refer to this brief list. High school can be challenging, but I honestly believe that these lessons I learn can really help those like Sara who are about to step through those horrific doors of High School.
1. It won't matter later on that he was on a high school football team.
2. Chill with the eyeliner.
3. Stop sub-tweeting or Facebooking your life.
4. Don't tell your mom you hate her because you will regret it. She loves you, and has your best interest at heart.
5. Innocence is beautiful, but so is growing up. It’s not something to be ashamed of. Just own it.
6. Some people will never like you; don't let it bother you. It’s their loss anyways.
7. Kill them with kindness.
8. You were beautiful before he told you.
9. Don't believe stereotypes. Get to know people personally instead of judging them. You will make more friends that way.
10. Don't let one mistake define you! People make mistakes. It’s called growing up, but learn from your mistakes.
11. Enjoy those home-cooked meals. You will miss it one day.
12. Your mom can see a fake friend before you can.
13. There is more to life than being “popular”. Having two really great friends beats having 50 bad ones. Quality over quantity.
14. If your parents buy you something, whether it's McDonald's or a new car, say thank you.
15. You are more beautiful than you will ever know.
16. Prom is not the "best night of your life," but go anyway. It’s overrated, but you will still have fun IF YOU DANCE.
17. High school is where it ALL happens for the first time, but don’t think that you peak during those four years. There is much more to life than high school, and so much more to see and learn. However, enjoy high school while it lasts, you will miss some of it.
18. Bad times make you appreciate the good times.
19. It's only a bad day, not a bad life. Tomorrow is a chance for a do-over.
20. Stop comparing yourself to others; that will never do any good. Like that girl on insta who gets 594390329390 likes; no one will remember her 50 years from now. Be remembered for how you treat people not by likes on social media.
21. Learn to forgive. Also learn that not everyone deserves your trust. Most importantly, learn to forgive yourself.
22. Learn to apologize.
23. Learn to let your guard down and love yourself.
24. “If a guy tells you he loves you, you’re gonna believe them”. Taylor Swift is on point with that one. Don’t fall into the trap. He isn't the love of your life at 15. Even if you are “head over heels”.
25. Don’t do anything you aren’t 100 percent sure about. Call your favorite cousin for help. I don’t care where you are or what time it is. I am always here for you.
26. Don’t judge people until you get to know them.
27. Keep a journal.
28. Wake up every day knowing how lucky you are.
29. Eat the dang doughnut. You can worry about calories later.
30. Take those ACT/SAT prep classes seriously.
31. Write thank you notes for everything.
32. My Dad had this professor in law school that said “Don’t be the person watching the TV, be the one on it.” That basically means if you want something bad enough, go for it instead of hoping for it to happen.You should go after what you are most passionate about.
33. Enjoy life. It goes by faster than you think. "One day, you're 17 and you're planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life."-- One Tree Hill (THE BEST SHOW EVER)
34. Don’t be like me and choose school over building relationships. School is important, but so is socializing. You need people in your life in order to grow as a human being.
Take A Deep Breath,
Bettina
