
So I was going to title this blog post “Advice I’d Give my High School Self” but as a 21 year old girl I realized I didn’t learn all these lessons in high school. I was always a late bloomer and that’s my first piece of advice.
It’s okay to grow up slow, in fact, I highly recommend it! Innocence is something you’ll never get back. The people that surround you may be getting involved in other activities that you may not feel comfortable in and that leads us to our next piece of advice.
It’s okay to say no. Saying “no” doesn’t make you “less cool”. Go with your gut instinct…always.
Your mom knows best. Truly listen to her advice because I guarantee you she can read everybody. My mom knew who my real friends and who the fake ones were going to be the minute she met them. Realize you may absolutely hate some of the advice she gives and may think it’s complete nonsense but keep in mind she was your age once and she only wants the best for you, so why would she steer you in the wrong direction!
Enjoy your sport and do it for as long as possible. I was a competitive swimmer for about 8 years and quit when I was 16. It was something I was so passionate about and I had done it for so long that I burned out. I highly recommend pushing through it and continuing it in college if you have the opportunity. Your enthusiasm for the sport will never die and you will realize you will never bond with anyone the same way you bond with your teammates.
Stand up for yourself. When something isn’t right, say something. Do not let anybody walk all over you. It can be intimidating standing up for something you believe in but it’s necessary and will only help you grow as a person.
Go to as many school functions as possible. You won’t realize this in the moment because the way your life is in high school feels like it will always be that way, but 4 years goes by in a blink of an eye. This will be the last time you see 95% of your graduating class so take it all in.
It’s okay to make mistakes and have fun! You aren’t quite an adult and there will never be another time in your life after you graduate high school where you will have this few amount of responsibilities but be sure that these mistakes don’t have the potential to ultimately destroy your life before it actually starts.
Your friend group will change. Stick around people who bring you complete joy and happiness. Your friend group is bound to change but through out the years you will meet new friends and it’s great to expand but don’t forget about the people who have stuck by your side since day one.
Leave your eyebrows alone!!! If you were anything like me and you plucked your eyebrows everyday… stop!
When you’re finally 18 and think you can do whatever you want… you thought wrong. Yes, “legally” you’re an adult but if you live with parents like mine, they will be quick to tell you “my house, my rules”. Don’t try to fight them on it. Trust me when I say your life will be a lot more smooth sailing if you just accept the rules.
Become great at communicating. After high school, you will realize keeping up with friends takes work. You all will go in different directions and may even live in different parts of the world but if you want to keep the friendship going you must make an effort.. it’s very easy to lose touch.
Love your body because it’s probably the smallest you’ll ever be. The Freshman 15 is real.
Parties look more fun on snapchat. You probably aren’t missing out on much.
Spend money on experiences instead of materialistic items. I really wish I would have started doing this years ago but I have only been doing it for about a year. I use to spend a lot of money on clothes but now I like to spend it on road trips with friends, concerts, and traveling! Build memories, materialistic items will come and go!
You probably didn’t find “the one” at 19. Obviously this can happen but the chances of it are very slim. Enjoy going on dates, meeting new people, and having fun.
Overall, make the best of every moment, be with the people that make you the most happy, and strive to better yourself everyday.