Photo Credit: Julia Caesar
As we’re all getting ready to go back to school (I leave in 2 weeks!!) I thought I would do a few back to school posts.
Highschool was fun but not easy for me. I learned A LOT about myself and other people. I have a younger sister going into 11th grade and I constantly feel like I’m telling her what and what not to do in high school. With that being said, I thought I would make a post about things I wish I knew in high school. Many people have posts like this on pinterest but I really wanted to make my own with my own perspective. So… for all you girls/guys still in high school whether you are headed into your senior year or freshman year, I hope this helps and let me know what you think!
1. BE YOUR OWN PERSON.
Honestly…. I was always so insecure to be myself and I always wanted to fit in. I actually got really good at changing how I acted around different groups to get along with everyone until I got tired of that and decided to just be my own person. Everyone wants to belong and have friends. I mean, who doesn’t? Everyone’s navigating their own way through friend groups and it’s ok for you to be different. Being different is more respected later down the line when everyone grows up. Stick to your values and the things you enjoy and I promise you will find your way.
2. YOUR FRIENDS FRESHMAN YEAR, MOST LIKELY WON’T BE YOUR FRIENDS SENIOR YEAR.
Now, this isn’t always everyone… but it’s most. The people I was friends with my freshman year, I totally lost contact with and did not talk to at all by my senior year. It’s not that I didn’t want too, it’s that people change. I changed. People change sports, hobbies, classes, and move. Don’t beat yourself down if you lose a friend or y’all stop talking. It’s not your fault, you just find new friends and new situations you enjoy along the way.
3. TAKE THE TIME TO STUDY AND PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GPA
I was always told this… but never listened. It’s not that I didn’t have time to study or that I had a good excuse.. It’s that I genuinely couldn’t study because I had a hard time taking classes I felt would be no use to my life later on. Like seriously…… I don’t think I’ll need the Pythagorean Theorem when I’m studying Public Relations. But what I never realized is that most of the time, those classes are there to just help you understand how to learn and how to study. The skills you need get you prepared for college and beyond. Also, your GPA matters big time, I actually had a really decent GPA I was proud of, but It wasn’t enough to get into some of the schools I would’ve liked to have gotten into. Stay focused and remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
4. THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE
This is often very forgotten. There are also so many topics within this I want to touch on. One being to think about your future resume and get a head start. Get a job, get involved, volunteer, etc. Especially if you’re a girl and plan on rushing, definitely start early with your volunteering and philanthropy… I wish I did! I had a job all throughout high school and I’m really proud of that. It taught me how to handle my own money and also was great to put on my resume. Next, for you party people….. be careful. It kills me every time I see crazy party pictures on my instagram feed or twitter feed from old classmates. I get you are having a great time, but future jobs, sororities, colleges, and other opportunities are looking at that… think beyond that Saturday night and think about how five years from now you’re going to regret posting that. Looking back on old photos of my sophomore year I constantly think “ew… gross.. what was I doing.. I was so stupid… I can’t believe that…” etc. When you look back at yourself in two years you’re going to think the same.
5. PEOPLE WILL WALK ALL OVER YOU
Now… this isn’t just a high school thing, it’s a life thing. I see older women do this all of the time. But it’s something I struggled with the most in high school. I am actually terrible at standing up for myself. It’s something I’m still learning to do. I envy people who have a backbone and don’t take anyones crap! I’m a people pleaser, and always want everyone else to be happy… even if that leaves me feeling down about myself. Don’t make my mistake and don’t be that person! Your happiness comes before anyone elses. If a friend or boyfriend feels as though they can walk all over you, shut them down. Always have a voice and put people in their place if need be. This is most common with girls in high school for some reason. Not sure if every one wants to be Queen B or what… Girls will walk all over you to get what they want and they won’t care how you feel! I’m not saying to be like that… but keep your eyes out for that girl and either run from her, or make sure they know you’re not putting up with that. If you’re really good at this… email me!! I definitely still need help.
Goodluck to all the girls starting back in high school in a few weeks! If you’re older, leave any advice you have for high schoolers in the comments below!
Linking up with: Back To School Link Up
You May Also Like:
