Dear Younger Sibling,

High school is nothing close to what you see on movies. There is no popular cheerleader that dates the quarterback or some captain of the chess team that is the biggest nerd in school. You have probably figured that out by now and I hope you were not shocked when you faced reality.

Here is a letter I am writing to you to help you get through such a tough, but yet memorable, time in your life as a high school student.

Don't stress over being the popular one or people that think they're popular. Every person that has the mindset they're "popular" will not matter anymore when they graduate. Their days will be over. The best thing I can tell you to do is be you and most importantly, be true to yourself. People that know you're being yourself, will always gravitate back to you no matter how far they go. Surround yourself with people who will build you up, not tear you down.

Don't let other peoples' opinions rule your life. People are going to judge you whether you're succeeding or failing. Ignore the negative comments, and realize that you are only there for four years and the second you graduate, all your high school problems fade away. At the end of the day, you need to know that every struggle, every passing grade and every project is for your own self-worth. Whatever you put into something, is whatever you get out. So always make it the best you possibly could.

Be nice to everyone. You have no idea what a person is going through. High school is known for cliques. When it comes to certain cliques, some people feel obligated to not talk to someone who isn't as sporty as them, or as pretty. If you see someone sitting by themselves at lunch, invite them to sit with you. If you see someone having trouble with something in the hallway, go help them out. It takes one act of kindness to make a person have such a better day. And who knows, maybe out of kindness, you make a great friend.

High school can feel like one of the loneliest times of your life, but being yourself will get your very far. That is the most educational lesson they "forget" to teach you in school. Don't be frustrated, and just take every day as you go. You have to fight through the bad days, to get the best days of your life.

With love,

Your Older Sibling