Ahh high school, the good ole days. Many great memories, hobbies and friendships derived from this time in my life. It was a time filled with great exploration, understanding and realization.

Dear Me,

The problems of today will not matter tomorrow. Enjoy the little time that you have to not worry about consistent responsibilities. This is the time to do what appeals to you as you head towards your future.

Decide colleges based on you and what appeals to you rather than conforming to the average possibilities of those around you.

Value your close friends and family and take nothing for granted. before you know it, either you or your closest friends could be on the other side of the country. These people do so much for you and they’ll always be there for you. Therefore, the time you have is so sacred and should be cherished everyday.

Popularity doesn’t exist in the real world, unless you’re a celebrity of course. In college, no one will care how many friends you had or how many boys you dated. What really matters is who you are as an actual person and not who you have become because of your accomplishments. College is a time of understanding; not only of yourself, but your relationships as well. Through this realization, comes stronger bonds as you work to eliminate the unnecessary connections that would otherwise hold you back from fulfilling your desires. It is very important to spend time with those who truly matter to you and who you genuinely enjoy being around.

Don't stress about the minor things. In a year, the fear of repeating an outfit will be irrelevant, that dance you didn’t get asked to will be forgotten and that one test you did bad on will not end your life. Trust me, there is far worse that could happen.

What you were in high school is not an accurate representation of who you are and what you can accomplish. Often times it becomes easy for us to fall into the cadence of the crowd around us. Keeping up with trends and being in the “know” only works towards diminishing your individuality. Offer your own spin on things and be open to all possibilities as you never know what may strike you in a positive manner.

Enjoy high school for what it is, but don’t let it completely alter your sanity, values and true state of individiality.

Sincerely,

Grown-Up me