Dear Teenagers,
Here’s a list of things I learned along the way:
- You’re very likely to not have your shit together straight out of college, and that’s ok
- You’ll know when you find your one true love. Don’t waste your time on bullshit.
- You will fuck up, don’t beat yourself up. That’s what your early 20s are for
- Know the difference between a true friend and a “friend” Choose wisely.
- Surround yourself with nothing but positive people; negativity will drag you down
- Cherish all the genuine people you come across, they are hard to come by
- It is NEVER okay to envy anyone. Work harder.
- Self-analyze. Know your own strengths and weaknesses.
- Strive to be a better person
- Do not change for anyone. Change for yourself.
- Thank-you notes are mandatory.
- Read the news
- Mind your own business, but stand up to injustices
- Never stop learning
- Be honest, especially to yourself
I realize I’m too young to write an advice post, and I realize I sound pretentious. That was not my intention, so I figured a list of things I wish I had known instead of an actual letter would be a compromise. As the kids in my life start graduating high school, or getting really close to it, I felt this post call to me. It got me thinking of what I want to tell them and what I wish I knew. I’m sure there are many things I have forgotten or have not experienced yet. The list will only grow with age. It’s a very interesting topic and one I enjoyed reflecting on.