Some of the Advice I Would Give to My Teenage Self

Being a teenager is hard. Looking back on your teen years as an adult can be even harder. I know it is for me.

When I was a teenager, I had a hard time. It didn’t seem like I had a hard time, but I did. I received a lot of advice, but as well meaning as it was, it didn’t help me.

Today, I know what I wish I had known back then. If I could tell my teenage self advice, here are some of the things I would say….

• Go to a different college. Specifically one outside the county, has a better art program, and has a better math program/classes. You’ll be happier… and healthier.
• Stop panicking about your graduation class rank. It’s not as important as you may think it is.
• Skip senior prom. It wasn’t that great. Have a sleepover with your friend instead. You’ll thank me later.
• Enjoy the time you have with your dogs. You’re gonna miss all of them when they’re gone.
• Don’t worry about how everyone has the “perfect life” and you don’t. They don’t have a perfect life. Even if they did, there will always be something that will make it imperfect.
• The perfect job is out there. Stop worrying where it may be located in. You might be surprised by how much happier you are if you work somewhere you least expect.
• The man of your dreams is out there, just not in your high school. Or the college you plan on attending… but he is out there.
• People in your life will get sick before you turn 20. Take care of yourself and your health because there is no one better to take care of them but you.
• Stop buying so many books, movies, and other things to entertain yourself. They aren’t really that good.
• Don’t worry about how that one girl in high school has a Louis Vuitton bag. You’ll get one too. It will be second hand, but it will cost far less than her’s did and you will buy it with your own money. Besides, you won’t be able to wear it anywhere without the fear of it getting stolen.