I remember very clearly the summer before high school being in my friends room and talking about the school year coming up and I yelled, "we're gonna be in HIGH SCHOOL", and we both screamed like the annoying preteens we were. High school was the setting all these iconic movies were in: Mean Girls, High School Musical, Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, Grease, A Cinderella Story, and so on. These people looked so grown, so cool, so sure of themselves, all while falling in love and sometimes breaking into song. I couldn't wait to be them and look like them, and for sure have an epic romance.
Wow was high school nothing like that.
Those actors are usually 25 years old, nobody is completely sure of themselves, true love in high school almost never happens, and worst of all, nobody breaks into song and choreography. That last part is a shocker, I know. Even though my experience was not like the movies, when I look back at high school I mostly only have fond memories that I wish I could see play back like an actual movie. But there are things that I learned from, that I wish I did differently.
Don't feel pressured to date. Personally, I'm a sucker for rom-coms and movies like 10 Things I Hate About You where Bianca and Patrick spent all day together and it was romantic and cute, and how later on he won her over by singing "I Want You Baby" in front of everyone in the football stadium. Yeah, I wanted all that. I know this is a me thing, but even though I romanticized being in a relationship, I wasn't ready for one. I had some boys like me here and there, and once I even gave it a shot because having a boyfriend is what I want, right? If you're not ready for one or just don't feel right about a certain guy don't push it, listen to your gut because you don't need to be with every guy who thinks you're cute. If you find a someone great, that you click with and treats you right during these years that's awesome, but if not that's more than okay because it's high school.
Join more than one activity. First of all, JOIN AN ACTIVITY. Almost everybody I know who hated high school weren't in anything at all. Join a club or sport or organization, just do it that's how you meet people. But something I wish I did differently was I wish I joined more than one. I was happy with the one I was in, but looking back sometimes I think I should've expanded my horizons and pushed my boundaries. I was so content with the group of friends I had and the people around me that I didn't try to meet new people, or explore other things I'm interested in. That's important to do always and I see that now. Get out there, you might find new friendships you would've missed out on or discover new sides to yourself. Be diverse.
Be nice to your parents. This one is more about the person you are in high school. I was the biggest brat and for a while and my relationship with my dad was a bit rocky. Your parent(s) work hard, care for you and are your biggest supporters. Don't let the red fog of hormones win, and spend time with them and tell them about your day. Don't give them attitude all the time, and help them out when you can. I wish I could change how I was with my parents during these years, so don't take them for granted.
Care about your grades. A graded piece of paper does not define who you are. Receiving less than an A is not the end of the world. But scholarships are real, and loans are very real, so put in the effort now and get that money. Get the acceptance to your dream school, get that tuition paid for, it sucks now but boy is it worth it in the future. Wow, I wish I put more of an emphasis on grades back then.
Create healthy habits. I wish I cared more about taking care of myself at an earlier age, and high school is a perfect time to do so. Drink more water, eat fruit, get some greens in you, and realize Chick-fil-a is not a food group. I don't mean be on a strict diet, go out and enjoy that Whataburger after football games and go out to eat with friends, but practice healthy habits at the same time. If you practice these habits now, you won't be struggling as much when you move out.
Friendships change and that's okay. Whether it's best friends or just normal friends, friendships will come and go, or maybe the dynamic with someone will change and you're not as close as you once was. It can be hard to accept at first, but not every person is meant to be in your lives forever. I have always been one who put her all into a friendship so when one came to an end, I almost always took an emotional toll on me. Yet, with time I realized that every time I lost a friend, I always gained a friend. So trust the process, this is just how life goes.
I graduated two years ago and now it feels like another lifetime, so it's crazy to think that now my little sister is about to start her own four-year journey. Time really does fly by. If you're about to start high school or in it already take this advice to heart and remember nothing is ever as life-ruining as it seems. Have fun, these four years will fly right by.
Sarah Lynn.
