G: Growing Up

My husband's 10 year high school reunion is this year, and it has really got me thinking about my own high school memories and adventures. I'm sure most stories would be similar to many, "I went to class, took notes, hung out with friends, stayed after school for extra curricular activities, and then came home."

I have certainly learned some life lessons in my journey in growing up, a lot of which I wish I knew then what I know now. If I could go back and give myself a head's up of what's in store, I think I definitely would.



At a church work camp


Dear high school Michelle,

You do not give yourself enough credit. You are cooler than you think you are. Sure you're not real close with the "popular" group, but you do have a lot of friends in a lot of different groups. You're "true" friends will stick with you, and they are completely amazing.

Academically, you do pretty well for yourself. You will struggle a little in your math classes, but you will make up for that with being really successful in your science classes. Challenge yourself to stick with those difficult classes, you can do well in them.

At times, you will be pressured to partake in activities you don't want to participate in (like drinking and smoking, and having sex). You will feel like your "friends" won't think you're cool, or that you may get made fun of, but they won't. You stick up for yourself and are able to say no on so many occasions, and you will look back and be proud of the decisions you made.

You have a lot of guy friends but don't realize the intention behind the attention you get from them. There will be boys in your life that you really like, and really want to date. They will break your heart as they lead you on, making you think they like you back, and then date other girls. You will be crushed, but you will turn out OK. You will learn a lot about relationships from your friendships with these boys. One of your friends will ask you out your senior year, but you probably should go with your gut instinct of thinking it will be a bad idea. And when you're at his house and you get an unexpected phone call from another boy, who says he is in town on leave, you probably should go see that boy.

These four years are tough. You sometimes wonder if you're going to make it through high school, and if people will even remember you. You will have a lot of great memories of high school, with a few not so good ones. People are mean, rumors will be spread, and boys will hurt you, but Michelle, you are one tough chick. Take these bad things in stride and learn from them. These things will teach you how to stick up for what you believe in, and know that it's OK if it's not what everyone else believes in. These challenges and obstacles are bumps in the road, and you will get through them. You are a really strong person.

Love,

26-year-old-Michelle