I would want to tell my freshman self a lot of things if I could go back in time. When I started high school, it was both a frightening and exciting time, marked with a bit of confusion as well. I realized recently that I was not alone in feeling lost, as I didn’t know who I was or where I’d fit in. This feeling is often shared by many, incoming freshmen, rising sophomores, and all high schoolers alike. In an effort to find our place and get through each day without making a mistake, all highschoolers are really focused on is just simultaneously trying to sort things out and figure out our future. Looking back on it now, I see how much I’ve matured, and I wish I could go back in time and offer some advice to my younger self to help ease these anxieties and uncertainties. And because I physically can’t go back in time, I hope everyone reading this can take this advice from me before it’s too late. Here is some advice I wish I had received before my senior year.

First, breathe. It’s alright to not know everything, or even anything at all. Knowing exactly what you want to do with your life is not necessary. When someone asks about your plans, you can respond with “I don’t know yet” and that is OK. You’ll work it out and get it figured out eventually. Besides learning in class, high school is also about learning about yourself. 

Second, try not to be too hard on yourself. You are going to make mistakes, maybe even a bunch. You may say or do something embarrassing, you may lose a friend(s), or fail a test. It’s one of the most important ways of maturing, and you can learn something from every mistake that you make. You don’t have to be perfect. All you have to do is give it your all and just grow from the experience. 

Third, make sure to always treat yourself and others with respect. You don’t know what anyone is going through. You might be surprised at how much of a difference a smile or a kind word can make. Treat yourself like a friend at the same time and give up comparing yourself to other people. 

Fourth, I want you to remember that popularity is absolutely irrelevant. I wish you learned sooner that you are not required to belong to any particular group. Having a small group of genuine friends is better than trying to win over people who don’t genuinely care about you. Focus your attention on friendships that are genuine and supportive. 

Also, get involved, girl! Try out for the basketball team and join clubs that satisfy your needs. Put yourself out there without fear and do not hesitate in doing what you love. Trust me, even if you feel uncomfortable at first, moments when you go outside of your comfort zone will end up being the ones that lead to your biggest achievements. 

I hope you never forget to prioritize your mental health. Feeling nervous or overburdened is okay, not speaking with someone when you feel that way is not. You’re strong for knowing when you need help, not weak for asking for it. Even though life can be difficult at times, you never have to deal with it alone. 

And how could I almost forget: your grades! Prioritize keeping good grades because the first three years are what’s going to direct you to the colleges you dream of. And if you don’t take school seriously as a freshman, then you never will. Believe me, high school goes by so quickly, you may look at it as if you have three more years, but you’ll wake up and tell yourself,  “This is already my last prom? Am I really at senior sunset? Is this really senior skip day? No way this is the last school trip ever! I’m already graduating?” Take charge of your future now. 

Lastly, have confidence in yourself. Sometimes you will question everything, but you are more powerful than you realize. You’ll grow, you’ll fall, you’ll get back up, you’ll fall again, you’ll pull it through, and so on. You’ll grow into the woman that your freshman self will be so proud of. 

To anyone reading this now: I hope you can take something from the lessons that I’ve learned along the way, especially since I can’t talk to my freshman self or go back in time. One day you’ll look back and be proud that you lived your senior year to the fullest without holding anything back. So take a deep breath, enjoy every second, and make the most of it.