Here are just a few things that I truly wish I would have known at sixteen. So, here is my 21-year-old self, sending you some advice.
1. Better things are coming
High school seems like the most important part of life right now. Friends, sports, and even boys are the focus. Take a step back and please realize that every bad day you have is NOT THE END OF THE WORLD - better things are in store for you. The bad days, drama, fights, and homework will lead you to a life that you can't even imagine right now. The friends you have now may only be temporary and that is okay. The boy you like is probably going to become a total moron in college. The grades you have are important - believe it or not. Some day, your priorities will be different.
2. Work hard in the classroom
Now is not the time to slack off and socialize. Please, do yourself a favor and put the phone away, move across the room from your friend, listen to the teacher, and LEARN. When college comes around you will be so lost the first year if you are not prepared. Invest in each class and get something out of it, expand your knowledge, and take pride in the work you do. School is not some big joke or hangout time... It is where you get ready for life ahead of you.
3. It's okay, he is NOT worth it.
He might seem so great. He's "funny, sweet, athletic, and so cute" or maybe he's the "bad boy" that your dad doesn't like (we all know it was the second one). Either way, he isn't worth the tears or the drama. So he dumped you, you're heartbroken, you think that there is no one else out there like him. Well, you were right about that. But I can promise you this - there is someone better than him. A boy who will treat you right, make you laugh, smile, and do small little things for you just to make your day. He will support you and want the best for you. So for now, just focus on yourself, on school, and friends. High school boys are nothing compared to the men you will meet as you get older, I can promise you that.
4. Listen to Mom and Dad, they know what they're talking about.
"They just don't get it" yea, I know... They are always hounding you about something, they are not happy about your grades, they think you have some "questionable" friends, and they just don't understand what it is like to be sixteen. Well, let me tell you - if you would have only listened to them, you would have saved yourself a lot of trouble. You wouldn't have made some of the mistakes you made that burned you bad, you wouldn't have gone to a party you weren't supposed to and found yourself in a bad situation, and you wouldn't have struggled to figure life out so much. If there is one thing I wish you knew: It is LISTEN TO THE ADVICE THEY GIVE YOU.
5. Save your money.
You are working twice a week and the weekend to have a little bit of spending money. So, don't spend it all... put some in the bank and don't touch it. Learn how to save your money now, so that when you are on your own paying for groceries, Internet, electric, rent, and student loans you will know how to budget and save! This seems funny to any 16-year-old, but it will help you in the long run!
6. Be yourself.
Don't limit yourself because you are afraid of what people will think, don't hang out with friends just to be popular, don't change yourself just so you fit in, and don't pretend to be something you're not. High school can be tough, but creating a false sense of self is worse. Discover who you are and be true to yourself.. high school is about exploring who you are, what you love, and who you want to be. So take advantage of this time to do just that, you won't regret it.
Well, that is all I have to say at twenty-one... and I'm sure at twenty-five I'll have about 6 more things to share with myself.
