You don’t want to leave your friends from elementary and middle school. That’s okay.

Many of you will end up parting ways to go to different schools.

The sudden reality of being alone in a huge building you barely know with students coming from various parts of the city will hit you soon enough. It’s hard to start over. But this is a change that will make you stronger as an individual.

As your childhood comes to an end, the teenage years will take over.

This is life; every living person on this planet has to make the sacrifice of growing up. Having to worry about college, a resume, and money doesn’t sound as fun as playing with your friends outside or staying up late at night chatting. Balance is key to managing life. Prioritize your studies, even when those around you don’t desire to do so. Many people will try to disrupt your dreams, but the only person who has the power over them is you. Make sure you stay true to how you envision your life.

You are smart. Don’t be ashamed of that.

It’s not seen as cool to be the one who does all their homework, aims for good grades, and works hard on projects, but the rewards that come after will be. However, you are not perfect. Failure defines a person’s character. It’s one of life’s guarantees that failure will come your way. But what you do in the face of adversity is more important. Do not give up, but do not be corrupt. Cheating will never benefit you as much as honesty will. You have the strength to build up your accomplishments.

The people you surround yourself with will impact the way you live.

You don’t need to be friends with straight A students in order to have quality friends. However, if they don’t show interest in school and don’t have any dreams or goals, then you have to rethink whether or not you should keep them in your life. Help them out in realizing the best version of themselves. If they stick to the same damaging habits as before, you do not have to go down with them. You must take care of yourself always, and leave.

Friends will come and go.

The people who will always be with you are your family. You won’t always agree with what mom or dad has to say, but they are not your enemies. They will always look out for you, even when you don’t want them to. Since your first breath, your family has watched over you, it’s important to remember that. Treasure your family because not everyone is blessed with one.

But also, always treasure yourself.

The way people close to you treat you will be what lets you know if they are worth keeping around. The person you let in closest should be someone who respects you. Not many boys are wise at this age, unfortunately. But not many girls are either. Don’t let one have the pride of breaking your heart and breaking you. When in anger and bitterness, don’t spread it onto others and break their hearts too. Love is good and it’s kind; if it causes more pain than happiness, it is not love.

You are destined to be a strong, independent woman.

Continue to inspire those around you with joy, silliness, and a pure heart. Keep on dancing and singing when you’re happy as you run through the house with your curly bun bouncing on your head. Never stop cheering up others around you with your goofy faces. Continue to be kind to everyone you come across.

You’re already my role model.