Dear High School Me,

I know things are difficult, and you're going through a lot right now. I understand that you want to give up, but I'm telling you now, please don't. You have no idea about the experiences you will have in just a short year or two. No matter how overwhelmed or hopeless you feel, keep pushing.

Anxiety sucks and I am sorry you have to deal with it. Do not let it define you. There are good days and there are terrible days. Remember what is important to you on the terrible days. Try the deep breathing exercises you are taught, diffuse essential oils, listen to music. Get enough sleep and take a day off school if needed. Do your best to figure out what works for you, even if it lifts just a small amount of the tension off your shoulders.

Do not be afraid to get help if you are struggling in a class. I promise you it is possible to understand the material presented in class. However, everyone learns differently and sometimes a topic needs to be explained in a different way. Teachers are there for you and genuinely want you to do well in their class. Do not be afraid to get math help, you will not regret it.

The ACT isn't as big of a deal as it is played out to be. Yes, it is important to do your best, but the great part is that it can be taken multiple times. Try your hardest, don't let the anxiety of it tear you down, and stop comparing yourself to others.

Eliminate colleges you are considering only because others are considering. This will save you an immense amount of stress. Choose a college for you and only you.

Stop feeling guilty about staying in on the weekends. You are an introvert, you need to dedicate time to recharging. Also, don't judge those who choose to spend their time differently from you. Everyone is different, but we are all human beings.

Yes, you are a deep thinker, but you do not need to have all of the answers. Continue to seek out the “why” in each aspect of life, but do not fret when the answer is unclear. Some answers take a few hours to find, some take an eternity.

Lastly, fall in love with yourself. It is going to be a dreadfully long life if you do not have a certain level of self-love and respect. I promise that you are important, even on the days when nothing seems to be right. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but things will get better. You will grow as a person and you will meet beautiful people in your life who want nothing more than to watch you succeed.

It’s easy for me to say now, but don’t give up.

Lots of love,

College Me