A Letter to my High School Self
Over the course of the past 3 years I have had the privilege to mentor a phenomenal group of girls. I have heard stories of wonderful learning experiences, stories of disheartening discrimination, and stories filled with indescribable happiness. - Throughout my mentoring experience I put together a hypothetical “letter to my high school self” to hopefully shed a little light onto those beginning their high school journey. - Feedback from those of all ages would be greatly appreciated. 1. It’s only temporary. - Although some days may feel like they will never end, the moment you throw your cap in the air four years down the road is always in the rearview mirror. Do not focus on the irrelevant details that won’t matter when you walk off the stage on graduation day. YOUR life is YOUR story. Each chapter is filled with what you voluntarily choose to put in it, be proud of it. 2. Mistakes are to be learned from, not dwelled upon. - It’s no secret we are only “young & dumb” for so long. YES your independence should be embraced, and YES you will undoubtedly make some mistakes. – But at the end of the day: if you can accept the circumstance for what it was, acknowledge what can be changed, and learn from the event, then there is zero reason to dwell. Building your character doesn't happen overnight, it's a trial and error process. Each day truly is a gift to be cherished to the fullest. Move forward knowing you have bettered yourself. 3. Filter toxic relationships out of your social realms. - Friendships are NOT quantitative, they are QUALITATIVE. Surround yourself with people who will lift you higher and fill your life with peace. Find the people you want to make memories with and do not settle for mediocre friendships with those who struggle to understand the concept of loyalty. 4. Don’t forget your family. - It can be easy to submerge yourself into the infinite amount of friend related activities constantly taking place throughout the year, but learn to dedicate time to the people who love you unconditionally. It’s healthy for your heart. 5. Know what you are working for without stressing about your future destination. - Teachers and counselors constantly preach about goal setting for a reason. Your work ethic correlates to your character. Find something, think of some place, or look at someone, and let it motivate you. Whether it be academically, athletically, or both, develop an intrinsically motivated lifestyle to be proud of. Be tenacious when reaching each milestone you’ve set for yourself, and smile when you get there. 6. Be kind. - As you walk through the halls, each person you pass has a story. Whether it’s a complete stranger or a close friend, you may not be aware of what someone is going through outside of the school’s walls. Each day you walk through the doors in the morning, know you have the choice to positively impact the lives around you. Kindness is contagious, and it’s something this world can never get enough of. 7. Be faithful. - Live your life for the glory of God. Realize He sprinkles little moments throughout your day to make you smile. There is a reason we are to fear God, because we are to put all of our trust in Him. Once you open your heart to our Heavenly Father and enable Him to guide you, good things will come. Be thankful, be faithful, and have faith where your feet are.
