Ah, high school. That wonderful time in everyone's lives when they deal with loss, love, betrayal, and heartbreak. It sounds dramatic, but truly that's what it feels like as a student and teenager goes through many ins and outs of growing up. Everyone says it once they leave that they will never miss high school, but it is one of the most pivotal moments in our lives as young adults. Without high school, we would not make the mistakes that we need to grow as people. We love and we learn. I went through numerous situations in high school. A lot of adult stuff that I never would have dreamed that would have happened to me. However, it all has changed me for the better, and here are just some of the few life lessons I learned while basically living in hell.

First, it's okay to admit that you're wrong or that you made a mistake. The most wonderful thing about human nature is that we tend to forgive and forget. If you make a mistake, wrong a friend, or even decide not to study for a really important test, it is okay. A lot of my battles with friends and family could have been dissolved a lot more quickly if I had just realized my wrongdoing earlier. I have also learned that people really just want to here an apology and will go back to being friends.

Dating in high school is not worth it. As a freshman, I felt like I had to be in a relationship. My thought process was that "well everyone else is dating and so should I" It really is not that simple. Both parties tend to be immature and many people will get hurt. People tend to ditch their friends to devote their whole life to their SO. They might not know it at the time, but this is extremely unhealthy, especially if it means that the other party is using their person. Being single in high school allows for more time with friends, family, and it will keep you out of the drama. If I could go back, I would have stayed single and enjoyed myself rather than try to cater to someone else's needs. Another thing to note is that heartbreak is not forever and you will eventually realize that the whole ordeal was absolutely idiotic in the first place. Keep yourself happy and I promise that love will come eventually.

Find something your passionate about. My passion was theatre. I did not join 50 clubs and try to put it all on my college apps. I stuck with theatre and showed my passion for how dedicated I was with it. Joining a club that you love will also lead to long-lasting friendships and bonds that will not be broken. I met most of my best friends in theatre. I also found that having an extracurricular that I really enjoyed tended to keep me sane during the school day. I would always look forward to my drama and musical theatre classes.

Realizing that I did not have to be perfect all the time. Go to school in sweatpants, wear the same t-shirt twice in a row, or dress up. Do what you want as an individual. Everyone is allowed to be themselves, but your appearance is not the most important thing o your life. It's okay to have acne, gain/lose weight, or look tired. Give yourself some breathing space and let yourself live your best life.

High school is rough and it took me four years to figure it out, but I am so thankful to have learned all the lessons that I did. As a message to all future high schoolers everywhere, it gets better and DONT be late to class.

Much love,

M. Noe