For my sweet cousin (and everyone else) just starting out in high school:
2. Learn how to initiate friendships. In college making friends isn't that easy, most people aren't going to run to you on the quad wanting to be your best friend.
3. Be nice to everyone. Really, just do it. It's not going to kill you.
4. Listen to your friends about boys. They usually know what they're talking about, and they're looking out for your best interests.
5. It's ok if he's not "The One". You'll always remember your first love, but don't let it get you down. Your Prince Charming is out there somewhere.
6. Don't be boy crazy. It's fun to have a boyfriend, but you don't HAVE to have one. Seriously, don't be THAT girl with a different boy toy every month.
7. Hang out with your girl friends. You won't forget nights watching movies and eating ice cream with your girls.
8. BE INVOLVED. I seriously cannot stress this enough. Play a sport, join a club, be involved in student government… More is better, but don't overwork yourself. These activities will look great when you apply for a job, scholarships, and college.
9. Spend time with your family. They're the ones that will always be there for you, no matter what.
10. Your parents aren't your enemies. They actually know what they're talking about, and they're looking out for you. You'll be thankful for it, probably not right now, but eventually.
11. Be a good example. Someone is looking up to you, whether you know it or not. Set a good example for them.
12. MAKE GOOD GRADES. This is another thing that cannot stress enough! When you graduate high school with a scholarship to the college of your choice, you'll be thankful for all the time you spent studying.
13. You're going to have the time of your life in college. People say that high school is "the best four years of your life." They're lying. High school is fun, but college is so much better.
14. Your high school friends might come and go, but don't be discouraged. The friends you meet in college will be the best friends you ever have.
15. Be yourself, don't let others get you down.
16. Don't compromise your beliefs, values, or ideals for someone else. If they require you to do so, you don't need them in your life anyways.
17. IT GETS BETTER, trust me! You may think your life sucks, but tomorrow is always a new day. Life goes on.
Love,
Someone who's been there, done that, and has the t-shirt to prove it.
