High School Advice

This past weekend I traveled back to my hometown to attend my 10-year high school reunion. It was a blast and such a blessing to see how my classmates grew up and accomplished so much.

While in high school I recall thinking: “By 25 years old, I will have all my s*%$ together!” Meaning: I will own my own home, I will have a flourishing career, I will have a new car, etc., etc. Well, the reality is: I was in graduate school working on my Master’s degree until 26, I still drive the same 2001 Honda Civic that I drove in high school, my husband and I currently rent an apartment together (granted we own a condo for investment purposes), BUT guess what... I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life is funny like that.  

In lieu of the reunion, I began thinking of myself back in high school and all the fun I had. As an adult reflecting back, life was definitely a lot less complicated then. Yet, teenagers have a way of making things so dang stressful. Below I have complied a list of advice that I would like to offer my high school self…

Beauty Advice:

-Don’t over-pluck the brows- they will never grow back! And, bold brows are about to make a comeback, just you wait.   

-Appreciate your natural waves- ditch the straightening iron and learn to embrace your wavy locks. Voluminous hair is much more appealing on you than pin-straight hair. Plus, straightening your hair takes too much time, and you could never properly get the back of your head anyways.

Academic Advice:

-Use your school planner- Develop a sense of time management now! You will soon realize the importance of this skill in college when you are taking 17 units, going to track practice, working 20 hours at a part-time job, and juggling a social life. Procrastination becomes a traumatic experience during finals week…trust me.

-“Only boring people get bored”- Remember this motto whenever you begin to feel bored in class, or while doing any activity for that matter. Perspective is immensely important. Your mindset can either create an adventure or an ordeal in any given situation. Use that creative mind of yours to find delight in the mundane.

Social Advice:

-Drinking is overrated: It really is. Don’t feel like you are missing out because your mom didn’t allow you to attend all those ragers. Believe me, you will get enough of those experiences in college. Right now it’s more important that you spend quality time developing meaningful relationships with family and friends. It is those relationships that will get you through life’s ups and downs. 

-Being uncomfortable is good- You didn’t get the same Spanish class as your friends? You have to give a 10-minute class presentation? You didn’t get the elective that you wanted? Oh well…make the most of it! These uncomfortable moments make you more resilient. Being in a class without your friends allows you the opportunity to make new ones. You will realize that doing things that are uncomfortable will push you to grow and eventually become more confident. 

What advice would you give your high school selves?

How was your high school reunion experience?

Xo, Sheel

*Blog post was inspired by Emily at Cupcake & Cashmere.