When I graduated high school, I truly believed I turned the page on the best four years of my life. Had I known what I know now, I truly believe that those years could have been much more than just good memories and good times. As I reflect on what college has taught me, these are just a few things I wish I would've known before beginning the actual best years of my life.
1. Stop buying the most expensive and extravagant homecoming and prom dresses.
Yes, you do look beautiful in them but those dresses last for about five hours before they sit in your closet for ten years. Treat yourself in another way.
2. Stop tanning.
It's terrible for you and if someone doesn't love you for you pale self then they don't deserve to be in your life. Learn to love your fair skinned, beautiful complexion. It truly is beautiful.
3. Stop taking pictures of every single thing you do.
They're annoying and no one really cares about the random car ride you and your friends took on Tuesday night. Keep those memories for yourself and enjoy the moments for what they are.
4. Do your homework, get good grades, take AP classes, and learn all that you can.
I know you're busy and stressed out, but it WILL make you a better student and person.
5. Thank your teachers.
They are doing the best they can and they don't get appreciated enough. Let them know how much you enjoy coming to their class and how much you aspire to be like them.
6. Stop trying to please everyone.
There is no point in being everyone's friend and after high school, you truly only see the three people that actually want to be in your life. Please yourself, not others.
7. Take advantage of living with your family.
Come home in time for family dinner and spend some Saturday nights with your mom and dad. Once you're in college, you'll realize how much you miss those small moments with your family.
8. Go to every single football game and participate in every spirit day.
Those are the best moments in high school and you will seriously never get opportunities like that again. When you look back on your high school years, those Friday nights under the lights with your entire town dressed in blue and silver will be the nights you remember.
9. Don't quit anything because of the fears and doubts you have.
If you aren't meant to be on a team, you won't make it but you have to at least try out. You will always look back and regret quitting something without even trying.
10. Get a job and start saving your money.
There is nothing worse than being in college and asking mom and dad for a few extra bucks after they make a $5,000 payment on your tuition.
11. Travel.
Any chance you get. If grandma is going to Australia next month, go with her. You will never look back and regret not traveling while you could.
12. Stop worrying so much about missing school and being absent.
Going to school for seven hours a day, five days a week is tough and you deserve a break once and a while. Missing a day of school won't kill your GPA or reputation.
13. Get involved and do as much as you can for your school.
You will learn to love the place you are growing up in and it truly will make four years go by in the blink of an eye.
14. Apply to your dream college.
Don't settle for the places that are close to home or where everyone else is going. Find the school that fits YOU and take on new experiences and challenges as they come forth.
If I had the chance to go back and tell my high school self the things I know now, I would tell myself to remain true to myself. I would tell myself to enjoy every single moment and be nice to everyone that comes my way. Never lose sight of who I am and to never give up without trying.
