High school isn't always kind, I'll be the first one to tell you. Freshman year, in particular, is probably the hardest time of our teenage years. We were thrown into a mass confusion, and to top it off, there's always the boys, the books, and the friendships to deal with. So, this one's for all of our 9th-grade selves, the ones that made it out.
Hey you,
You have been going through it, I know. I know that your world seems like it’s falling apart, and that you always have that one friend who’s mad at you for something. I know you can’t wait to be out of high school, and that you just want to be DONE. I know you feel like an outcast sometimes, and I know you feel like nobody understands you. Believe me, I know.
A few years ago, I was you. I was going through all of the things you’re going through now, and I can honestly say that it is all going to be okay. You’re probably going to lose some friends, you’re going to hate it too, but let me tell you… your life is going to turn into a complete and total peace zone when it’s all done. You’re going to find out that guy you have a thing for has a new girlfriend, and it’s going to kill you – and your friendship. Once again, it’s going to be okay. All the little things going on in your life now, they seem so big. They seem like the tallest mountains standing in your path, and it feels like you’re going to be stuck forever… but there’s always a path around the mountain.
The world you’re going to live in soon is full of homework, you have an actual job, and you can’t get in bed before midnight to save your life… enjoy it now. Call your granddaddy more often, he’s not going to be around forever… and you’re going to regret not doing it in a couple of years. Don’t hate yourself when you make mistakes, when you fail a test, or even when you royally tick yourself off… because there’s nothing worth hating yourself. I want you to live, I want you to fully experience every little thing that happens in your life. Embrace your friends that you’ve known all your life, because things DO change after high school no matter how many promises you make. Most of all, pray. Pray all the time. God is there, He is listening, and He will NEVER fail you.
Life’s hard kid, so keep your head up buttercup. There is so much more in store for you. You’re going to end up going to college in the best place on earth, you’re going to make the best friend you could ever ask for, you’re going to make such a big difference in this crazy world. I can see it now, years later, and honey… you’re on your way.
Just hang in there, keep your faith, and enjoy it while it lasts.
Your College Sophomore Self
