A Short Open Letter to High School Students

Dear reader,

I just wanted to remind you that high school is not the be-all end-all. Despite popular misconception, your high school years really don't have to be the best years of your life. You will learn so much more about yourself in your 20s, and high school will seem like only a small part of your journey.

But while you're going through it, I know it's super tough. I want you to remember that people aren't judging you as much as you think they are. I know it can feel like all eyes are on you—constantly!—but people are judging you far less than it seems. Everyone is preoccupied with their own life too! Their own future, their own problems, their own insecurities. However, if they are repeatedly judging you, it's because your soul needs the test—the test of not diminishing your light out of fear of what others may think. (This will be useful in the years to come, I promise!)

Now and forever, your friend circle will be important. Consider which friends feel right for you. Some of the friends you make in high school will latch onto you with the hopes of being a friend for life, so choose wisely. Avoid people who only gossip for the sake of gossiping—you won't want or need that kind of energy lingering around you later on. Try to pursue friendships with people who share your values, or who (at the very least) are considerate of them.

Don't be too preoccupied with your first relationship. With the exception of the people who marry their high school sweethearts, the relationship you're preoccupied with now might be really small in the grand scheme of things. Your first heartbreak will be necessary for growth, but it's not something that should harden you entirely for many years to come… especially if they didn't even feel like a soulmate. (Wait for that feeling!)

Set your own beauty standards. You don't have to fit into the ideal standard of beauty. It will probably change in ten years' time anyway. You are more than a copy of a copy, so allow yourself to feel attractive in the ways that you are most comfortable with.

Pick a hobby that you love. If you start dedicating time to something you enjoy today, you'll be an expert in it by your mid-20s. (Think of how awesome that would be!) Like Bob Ross said, "Talent is just a pursued interest. In other words, anything that you're willing to practice, you can do."

Don't feel pressured to pick a career just yet. I know you need to think about what degree to pursue in college or university, but truthfully, just go with what majors interest you (...if college even feels mandatory, that is!) If you don't know what interests you, find out what you don't like. Think about what you don't want to pursue. Use process of elimination. The rest will fall into place. Also, don't give too much power to those distant relatives you hardly see. You know, the ones who ask "So, what are you going to do with your life?" In the years to come, some of them will probably disapprovingly say "So that's what you're doing with your life? Hm." People will never be truly happy for you, so focus on making yourself happy first.

Finally, you set the guidelines for your life. There is no timeline. There is no "ideal age" to do anything... to have your first kiss, to lose your virginity, to drive even. None. Go at your own pace. Never sacrifice your comfort for certain "teenage milestones". (We made them all up anyway!)

I know how tough these times are while you're going through them, and so I commend you for being strong. But I also know that high school will offer you a couple of good moments at least, so remember to cherish those too! Peace and love, empathosa