Things I Wish I'd Known In High School

There are so many things that I wish I had been told while I was in high school... (Or rather listened to when I was told.)

The "Cool Kids" Aren't As Cool As You Think.

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Right now, being invited to sit with the varsity athletes, cheerleaders, rich, well-dressed kids seems cool. Don't lie. It does. But when you get right down to it, 90% of the "in crowd" at your school is comprised of total jerks. I won't say that anyone with a high social status is a terrible person, but they likely are. In case you need some examples, looking down on someone for not wearing the same brands you do is not cool. Tripping a young guy who's struggling with his books in the hallway just because he's in a lower grade isn't cool. Find people who support you. These guys are most likely at their peak in life. You aren't. You don't need them. Find better. Instead, why not try finding someone who's sitting alone and looks lonely? Try getting to know that person. They'll be far more grateful of your company.

Get To Know Your Professors/Teachers.

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It's not that bad. 9 times out of 10, they're really cool people. Ask them questions-- not just questions about their class. Make them your mentor. They've gone through high school just like you are and they made it through unscathed. Some of my best friends ended up being former teachers. Not to mention, there's always something that you can learn from them.

If You Play Sports, Enjoy It!

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Most people don't go on to compete at a college level. What you're doing now is special. You're going to miss these days. Instead of complaining about practices and running, go out there with the mindset that this could be your last season. Train harder than you ever have before. Have someone photograph or record your games, matches, performances... Compete so well that if you never touch a field or court again, you would be proud of your last season.

Study, Even If You Make Straight A's In Your Sleep.

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Because while there may not be anything greater than being able to breeze through and make A's without so much as cracking a book, there is nothing more terrifying than getting into college and realizing that you don't know how to study. At all. You can't do that in college. (I thought I could to... You can't. Trust me.) Learn what works best for you. Flashcards, writing everything down a million times, making up a song in your head... Whatever it is-- do it!

Oh, and pay attention in class. I might have made A's all through school without studying or going to class, but I can't tell you how many times high school subjects have come up in my college classes and I was expected to know it... (and I didn't.)

It's Okay If Your Parents Want To Take A Million Pictures Before Your Prom.

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No matter what, you are not too cool for your parents to snap a few pictures of you before prom. They're proud of you. You only have a few of these. You'll be glad you have these pictures later on. You'll actually probably wish you had more.

Don't Be So Hard On Yourself.

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Your teenage years are a very impressionable time in your life. And you're bound to have bad days. But don't dwell on them. Get a bad grade? Go get ice cream. (And then study for your next test...). Get turned down for a date? Don't mope around the house all night. Have a movie night with your best friend. It's okay to feel down every now and then. Don't dwell on it. It's easier to see your flaws than your attributes. Learn to boost your self image rather than damage it. If you aren't convinced that you're awesome, how can you convince everyone else?

Love On Your Parents.

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When you're 14-18, "cool" is the last thing you think of when it comes to your parents. But when it comes down to it, they're actually pretty awesome. Your parents are likely your biggest supporters. Even through your bratty, snotty phases-- they still put up with you. And they love you more than you know. You may think you won't miss them when you move off for college, but you will. You don't realize how much you take them for granted yet. Every now and then, try to let them know that you love them. Hug them. Tell them thank you. Pick up flowers for your mom. Play catch with your dad. You'll be glad you have those memories with them once you're hours away.

A Little Discretion Goes A Long Way.

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Welcome to the age of social media. It's a beautiful thing. I'm big fan of social media sites, myself! However, there is a line that is all too often crossed. Some things should just not be blasted out for the whole world to see via Facebook. Relationship details are one of these things. For the love of all things holy, if you are an off/on couple... Set your relationship status to private. Otherwise, everyone else will ultimately learn to hate you. More importantly-- Before you post anything about another person on any type of website, think about how it will impact or affect them. If it won't make them feel good, don't do it. Simple enough. As much as we hate to admit, words hurt. It's not worth the repercussions it could have. "If you can't say anything nice..."

Don't Grow Up Too Fast.

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People make up most of the stories they tell people at school. They do it to look tougher, more mature, more grown up... Truth is, a lot of them are just like you. Don't let your insecurities cause you to rush your childhood away.

There Are More Fish In The Sea.

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Seriously. There's a reason it's said so often. Few people end up marrying their high school sweet heart. For those of you, congratulations! However, in most cases the guys (or girls) at your high school are nothing compared to what you are capable of ending up with. I had crushes in high school. Now after being out of high school for 3 years, I realize that they have done nothing with their lives. If it's not working out with you and the person you have your eye on, there's probably a good reason. Mark it up to having good faith and move onto the next one. There will be plenty.

High School Is NOT Your Peak!

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Whoever told you high school would be the best 4 years of your life: they lied. High school are your awkward, geeky years. It's a learning experience. You're still figuring things out and you have a long ways to go. I won't say that it's terrible, but high school is nowhere near the best years of your life. You still have so much going for you. You're going to grow and change so much more even after you graduate. Make the best of it while you're here.