17 Things My High School Years Have Taught Me

As my senior year is quickly drawing to a close, I’ve been reflecting back on some of my experiences in high school. People I’ve met, places I’ve been, lessons I’ve learned. I’ve slowly been trying to form and write down my (slightly) inchoate thoughts on paper, and my perspective on the past four years. Even though some of these are things that I have been told my whole life, it wasn’t until high school (specifically Sophmore year up till just recently) that they really hit home, or were even slightly comprehended. So here is an 18 year olds jumbled perspective on the things she experienced in the past four years of her life!

17 Things My High School Years Have Taught Me:

1. You still don’t know as much as you think you do.

You never will. You will never “arrive” at a certain place- life is about constantly growing and changing and molding into something completely new and unexpected. Enjoy the exciting ride and don’t take yourself too seriously!

2. Failing is not always Failure.

You will fail at things until you take your dying breath. Do not think for one second that you are a failure. There is a difference.

3. Invest in your talents!

Love, time, resources, failures. You will never make Creme Brulee until you make Creme Brulee. (deep, aren’t I?)

4. Speak up!

Conversing with adults isn’t “uncool”- it’s mature.

5. You will encounter times of great clarity, and times of great doubt- embrace them both!

With open arms! Great clarity will gain you peace of mind and clear direction, but doubt will break you and force you to build yourself up and grow wiser and give you a broader depth of strength than you ever knew was possible. Don’t ever forget the low-points, they keep you humble.

6. Don’t rely on spark notes to gain you insight into what only all the pages of a great novel will give you.

Seriously, read all of your British lit books. Yes, even “The Canterbury Quintet”. You’ll thank me when you take your senior trip to the UK!

7. Expect more of yourself than the world expects of you.

For some reason society has this warped view that our formative years are to be spent goofing off. Completely untrue. Push yourself. Respect the idea of hard work and apply yourself accordingly. Flourish.

8. Reserve the right to have crappy ideas.

It’s the crappy ones that lead to the brilliant ones.

9. It’s your character and personality that endear you to other people- not physical attraction.

The only place physical attraction gets you is on the right side of the wrong people. Outward disgust and displeasure makes even the most beautiful of people really ugly. “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30

10. You are an oldest sibling, not a dictator.

Except on on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On those days it’s absolutely necessary.

11. Don’t feel stupid because you don’t like what other people pretend to love.

Those people and things (fads) will soon be gone and unremembered.

12. Society is warped and perverted.

Don’t take your cues from those whose vision is tainted.

13. Eat the fettuccine alfredo.

Because when it’s all said and done you’ll remember the great meals you had over the 2.7 pounds you gained while enjoying them.

14. Don’t compromise who you are for the sake of money, a job, friends, popularity, or experiences.

Refuse to live under the illusion that compromise will get you anywhere.

15. “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

C.S. Lewis was right. The more time you spend dwelling on regret is time wasted that could have been spent bettering yourself and helping those in need.

16. A man who is not after God’s own heart has no right to be chasing after yours.

Don’t jump after the first boy that comes knocking on your door. You are still VERY young. Seek the sage advise and wisdom from your elders and those around you- their experiences will help shape your decisions. As a friend once told me: ” Laura, I’m not sure if you’re lookin for a relationship or not but I don’t think you have to worry about that. The Lord will certainly bring the right one along in due time.”

17. And lastly: “Most of all, let LOVE guide your life.”

Colossians 3:14

—

XO Laura Lee