Dear Freshman-Year Me,
So you’re the “new girl” now, and it’s just not the same as middle school, but pick your head up. Don’t you know you have 4 more years here at this high school? You may not know a lot of people now, but get involved because you’ll enjoy these years a lot better if you do. You know that girl who was nice to you and is in a lot of your classes? Get to know her because she’ll turn out to be your best friend. You know that quiet girl that everyone makes fun of? Talk to her, she’ll also turn out to be one of your closest friends.
Don’t be afraid to push the limits; that’s what they’re there for. Take chances, fall in love, and have fun, but this doesn’t mean be stupid. Make the smart choices, not necessarily all the fun ones. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself when it comes to making bad grades. Everyone fails a quiz or two, but as long as you’re trying your best, then it’s okay. Which means you better be trying your best. Colleges look at all of your grades, and even though you just started, these grades still matter. That being said, do not blow off classes or get discouraged. Keep pushing; you have it in you.
Oh, and that boy who’s your first “true love”… he’s not worth it. He may be your first kiss, but don’t get too attached; not everyone gets a “high school sweetheart.” Whenever you think you’re interested in someone, make sure you actually like him as a person and that it’s not just the idea of a relationship that you like. Of course it’s nice having someone’s hand to hold and someone to be that special someone, but if he doesn’t treat you right, he’s not worth it. He’s not worth your time or your tears. No one is if they don’t treat you right, including girls.
Girls will be girls, especially high school girls. They live off of gossip and drama. Some can be nice while others can be quite cruel, and they aren’t worth it either. Don’t waste your high school years trying to fit in with the “popular girls” because in the end you won’t get anything out of that. Be friends with people who like you for who you are and wouldn’t change you in anyway. If anyone talks behind your back, they aren’t worth it either. The people who truly care wouldn’t do that to you, so don’t make up excuses for the ones who don’t care.
Your parents are there for you; talk to them when you need a friend. Even if they may be mad about something you did, in the end they love you and are there when you need them. Also, never lie to them because they always find out somehow — always.
So overall, always remember:
1. How successful you think you were in high school doesn’t really depend on the grades you get, but it’s getting to look back at how hard you’ve worked and how far you’ve come where you can truly see how successful you have been.
2. How much fun you have in high school isn’t measured on how many friends you have, but on how many great memories you make with your true friends.
3. High school is truly about finding your bridesmaids, not your husband. Having a high school sweetheart is rare and lucky but isn’t for everyone. You have bigger obstacles and accomplishments ahead of you, and some of these you’ll need to learn how to face alone.
I suppose what I’m getting at is you only have 4 years of high school ahead of you, and while it seems like a long time, it’s not. They say time flies when you’re having fun, so enjoy these years living to the fullest with no regrets.
“You have to live life like you’ll never be sorry.” — Finch (All the Bright Places)
Sincerely,
Senior-Year Me