We all make faux-pas as teenagers. Between the ravages of acne, bad fashion choices, and endless extra-curriculars, adolescence can feel more like a battlefield as opposed to a walk in the park. Armed with the wisdom of age (haha, I wish) or at least the lessons of experience, here's 10 things I'd tell my teenage self, beginning with the most superficial.
1. Whatever fashion thing you think looks great probably doesn't.
In fact, you will look back upon the clothes of high school as either disgustingly comfortable or hopeless teenybopper attempts at sexy dressing. If you are struck by the urge to wear the same hoodie every day or to show as much cleavage as humanly possible in a tank-top, please resist this urge. While shielding yourself with outerwear aka wearing a coat may not be "cool", having a compromised immune system isn't either.2. Learn what haircut looks good on you and stick to it. Even if it's not the coolest. Or what everybody else does. Your later self will thank you.
Nothing is worse than a cringe-inducing adolescent school photo. In high school, I was determined to grow my hair as long as possible and then part in in the middle. Blame it on Avril Lavigne. Not only did I look like hippie, it did no favors for my face. I now know that anything past the shoulders tends to hang limp and flat next to my head. And pixie cuts really do look the best of them all. Now if only I could tell 16-year-old me.
3. Find an activity out of your comfort zone and pursue it whole-heartedly.
The summer before freshman year, my parents informed me that I would need to choose a sport to play. The thought of interacting with teammates and doing something athletic petrified me. After much urging, I chose to join the cross country team. It allowed me perform as an individual and required little coordination. Four years later, I walked (ran) away with a lifelong love for distance running, some great friends, and many 5K's under my belt. While it was scary at first, dedicating myself to something challenging helped change my perspective on other obstacles in my life.
4. Being a nerd is okay, and even cool. It just means you're passionate about things.
While the word "nerd" or even "overachiever" was often spoken with disdain in the halls of my high school, I hadn't yet seen through this BS. Who knew all the nerds would grow into gainfully-employed hipsters with excellent Instagrams? That uncool would become the new cool? Embrace your passions, your talents, your "nerdiness" and run with it.
5. Go stag to a school dance. And be okay with it.
While not having a date to the dance may feel like the end of the world, do not obsess about it. I went stag to my senior prom and couldn't have had a better time. Pre-dance, I felt left out and unwanted. Looking back, I'm so glad I did it. I danced all night with my friends and didn't have to worry about the nervousness or awkwardness of a date. Confidence is sexy.
6. Practice time management skills now.
I have never been as busy as I was in high school. Seven classes, juggling extracurriculars, sports practices, hanging out with friends...it's enough to give a girl a headache. High school is where I cut my teeth time-management-wise. I learned what methods work for me personally and still fall back on these tricks today.7. Take note of the subjects you love.
I was convinced that I wanted to be a trauma surgeon in high school. I excelled at math and science, loved ER, and knew doctors made a lot of money. It was no brainer. However, history was undoubtedly my favorite subject. Later in undergrad, I discovered there were several occupations for people who loved history; one of them was called an archaeologist. Go figure.
8. Save your money.
Being in college and your early-20s costs money. Sometimes more than you think. With student loans on top of first apartments, things begin to add up. Save your money now. Work a job in the summer. Save your birthday money. At the very least it will pay for take-out or contribute to your spring break fund.9. Cherish your family.
When you're a teenager, your family and especially your parents can drive you batty. You will miss them. The first eighteen years of your life are likely the only time you will see your family members daily and play a significant role in the day-to-day functioning of the household. Give them some attention, listen to their advice, accept their love.10. Don't take everything so seriously, including yourself.
Many things that happen as a teenager can seem like the end of the world. This is not even a season of your life. You will laugh about many things later or reflect back on some painful lesson learned. You might think you know it all, but trust me kid, you've got a long way to go.
