Reflections from the Past: Advice to My High School Self
Amidst the chaos and anxiety of high school, it's easy to get caught up in unrealistic expectations and superficial judgments. If I could go back in time and say one thing to my high school self, it would be to embrace the journey, focus on personal growth, and avoid making certain decisions based on anxiety and fear.
Stop Worrying About the Future and Cherish the Present
If you were to go back in time and tell your 16-year-old self one thing, it would be to stop stressing about having a "perfect" boyfriend. In reality, you won't spend your life with the person you date at 16. During these formative years, it's crucial to focus on building meaningful relationships with family and friends, and to remember that everyone, including yourself, is unique and imperfect.
In those days, I often struggled with perceived flaws and unwarranted insecurities about my physical appearance. The truth is, very few of us are supermodel material. Embrace your strengths, focus on what you love, and remember that true beauty comes from within.
Tackle Opportunities and Settling for Less
Also, it wouldn't hurt to take advantage of the opportunities available to you during your high school years. For instance, if you were working part-time after school, buying some Apple stock could have been a smart move. Additionally, consider getting a CDL through your mom's workplace or taking a high-paying job right out of high school. College, while valuable, is often a trap set by teachers and guidance counselors trying to generate income for predatory education loan companies.
There's a common misconception that a Bachelor's degree is necessary for success, but in the late 2000s, having a degree in anything except STEM was often not a significant advantage. Remember, settling for a job just because it pays well isn't always the best decision, especially if it doesn't align with your long-term goals.
Lastly, I want to tell my past self that if you were to confront your nemesis, Ms. Mitchell, in 2006, do it with confidence. You will later learn that she passed away in 2018, and you will be glad you stood up for yourself.
Trade School as a Valuable Path
My life took a different path than what I imagined. Instead of attending a traditional high school, I attended a trade school for three years. While it may not have been the conventional path, it provided me with valuable skills and experiences that prepared me for the workforce.
The social season in high school can be memorable in unexpected ways. For example, going to the Spring prom with Bruce, the plumber's apprentice, turned out to be a good experience despite the superficial expectations of "proper" social events.
Advice for Future Challenges
When you're dealing with emotional and social challenges, like with Ashley, a girl who wasn't particularly interested in you, don't obsess over her. Focus on your own interests and goals. The emotional struggle you're going through is a normal part of growing up, and it will pass.
With the benefit of hindsight, I can tell you that being labeled as "autistic" early on wasn't entirely accurate, but it had some truth. You'll face both challenges and triumphs that others take for granted. Learn to cherish your deep friendships and nurture them. In your youth, you might not understand the intricacies of maintaining relationships, but with time, you'll catch on.
Your future self will work hard, earn money, and spend it frivolously without thinking about the long-term. Take a moment to save for the future, and don't worry about the end-of-the-world scenarios. You won't die from being hit by a bus, and you will manage to live a fulfilling life.
Anxiety is a part of life; it's a natural response to stress and uncertainty. Accept it, and don't beat yourself up for feeling anxious. You're not responsible for everything that goes wrong in your life, and there's no one right choice. Make a decision, move forward, and don't overthink every action you take.
The realization that you can be both incredibly smart and incredibly stupid at the same time comes with the blessing of being different. Embrace this duality, it will give you a unique perspective and superpower.
Remember, settling for "good enough" love is a waste of time. You deserve your best, and when you finally find that person, it will have been worth the wait. Be ready.
Finally, trust yourself, but don't be stubborn. Being strong-willed is important, but sometimes you need to be flexible and adapt to new circumstances.
Embrace the journey, reflect on your past, and continue growing into the person you are today. Thank you for your resilience and perseverance. You got this!