40 Things I Wish I Knew in High School: From a Midwest, Catholic, All-Girls High School Senior

SOCIAL ADVICE

Nothing good happens after midnight.

Go home, go to bed.

Don’t go out on an empty stomach.

You’re asking to make a fool of yourself, forget the whole night and have a video of you on Barstool. So in other words, not worth it. 

The driver should always be sober. 

This needs absolutely no explanation.

Stop saying “I’m sorry” so much. 

Going to call this a bad habit. Instead of “I’m sorry for being late,” say, “Thank you for waiting on me.” Constantly saying “I’m sorry” makes you seem a lot less confident. Yes, there are times when a sorry is needed, but all the little things do not always need it

Talking bad never gets you anywhere. 

Gossip and karma will come for you.

Never put anything on social media you wouldn’t want a future boss to see, matter if it’s private or not. 

If you have to question if you should post it that is a sign to not post it at all.

I’ve seen this happen, doesn’t matter if it is even a groupchat with your closest friends, BE CAREFUL what you post. 

ACADEMIC ADVICE

Work hard until you’re proud. 

The hustle is always worth it.

You don’t have to be academically perfect.

Just try your best. *Side note: Your cheating will catch up to you.*

Your teachers do more than you think, be thankful and keep that in mind. 

Sometimes just asking how they are or what they did this past week will make their day...and get you some brownie points.

RELATIONSHIPS

Your parents love you, so be honest with them even with your mistakes.

They are really your number one supporters, if you’re in trouble they have got your back.

Friends really do come and go, cherish the ones that stay. 

In high school, everyone is figuring themselves out, so you will lose a lot of people. Give second chances too. 

Try dating if you want, but it’s really not a big deal if you don’t. 

I never thought it was something I wanted until I was in one. 

Reach out, about anything. 

Everything you feel is valid; don’t let anyone ever think your feelings aren’t worthy.

You’re not alone. And never will be. 

You are also worthy.

Realize when people don’t reciprocate effort. 

This took me TWO years of high school to understand. Remember, if your absence doesn’t affect them your presence never mattered.

You’re going to meet A LOT of people, that being said, don’t burn bridges. 

You never know what resources of job opportunities you will get, keep your rep clean.

People change and so will you. It’s really a beautiful thing. 

No one is the same as their little freshman selves, so show mercy to yourself and others.

Tell someone when you like them. 

What a sad thought that someone you care about wouldn’t know your love for them…

If something makes you think of someone, tell them.

Whether it’s a song they showed you randomly coming on the radio or flowers next to the sidewalk that are their favorite color. Simply a text or a picture can make their day.

SELF-CARE AND LOVE 

Another’s beauty isn’t the absence of your own. 

Read it again, and again and again. Until you believe it, because you should. 

Don’t be afraid to cry or show any emotion. 

It just shows you care.

Keep your posture straight. 

You look more confident with your shoulders back and head up, try to not slouch in chairs either.

Drink water always. 

Set a reminder or something, but always have a water bottle around you.

If you like something, who cares what everyone else thinks. 

The only opinion that matters is your own, if you like it who gives.

NO ONE can determine what makes you upset, vice versa. 

You have no right to say someone shouldn’t be upset about a situation, they’re not your feelings.

Start a good relationship with your body now.

This is something I still am really having trouble with, but actively working on. I workout to feel strong and powerful, not so I can have two plates of dinner instead of one. Also, INSTAGRAM IS FAKE. You are unique which makes you beautiful already. Unfollow people who make you feel insecure when you seem then your feed. I had to do this because I would see their posts and look down at my body shamefully. That is normal in society which is terrible, but try unfollowing the supermodels or influencers that make you feel like that. Social media is just a highlight reel. The filters and edits are endless. 

PERSONAL TIPS  

Soak up moments you know you will miss (I have a trick). 

I actually learned this from a Tana Mongeau birthday shoutout, when you want to remember a moment, take in three random things. One thing for three of the five senses. At the lake of July 4th weekend 2019, I was sitting on the dock from the boat ride. Our family friend’s AC/DC playlist was blasting from the boat speakers down the cove, steaks on the grill were wafting down to my lawn chair, and the sunset was pink and orange. 

It really goes by fast, stop looking at the clock. 

Buy a good pair of jeans.

Make it shorts too, something that makes you feel confident with your booty poppin’.

Sometimes going home is better than a sleepover. 

When you wake up feeling like crap, being in your bed makes it at least a little bit better.

Don’t download tinder, it’s illegal until 18. 

I’ve never heard of a single good experience.

Don’t put on deodorant before putting on a black shirt. 

I still do not know how to get it out - even after a wash. If you find out LMK.

Watch and enjoy a sunrise or sunset without taking a picture for once. 

It means a lot more, whether you’re alone or with other people.

Save your money as much as possible. 

You do not need that new top from Urban Outfitters that is $43, but down the road you will need to pay for that laptop case in college.

Know your limits. 

Whether it is when you’re out or the amount of extracurriculars you are piling on for your resume. Know your limits.

Go to every concert you can.

After traveling of course, concerts are the best way to spend money. You can see an artist you like (or love) and have the most euphoric two hours. Every concert I have been to has been worth every penny.

Always carry a chapstick, a tampon, deodorant, gum and a charger in your purse. 

Okay, maybe the deodorant can stay in the car, but the others will save you or another girlfriend in the moment.

Listen to Frank Ocean NOW.

Am I telling you to stare at your ceiling and cry while Blonde plays? Yes. 

Go on every roller coaster. 

From an adrenaline junkie, you’ll regret every time you don’t go on one.

Listen to your gut feeling. 

Trust me with this one, you get them for a reason.

PS: Wear a mask.