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{Writing a letter of advice to you wonderful high schoolers who are ready for a "fresh start".}
Here we go. :)
Trying to process the fact that I am already done with my first year of college is unreal. My life has changed in several ways, and I have learned more about myself in the past few months than I thought possible. The lessons learned, memories made, moments captured, and friendships created are priceless. I wouldn't trade the past months for anything. I have seen all of my flaws and mistakes exposed, and have been able to grow so abundantly because of them. School is hard. Trying to balance everything at once is scary and sometimes frustrating. I've learned to embrace the road bumps along the way and make the most of every moment.
Oh the adventures, memories, and stories of this past semester. Pictures on pictures of silly, spontaneous times, along with posed laughing pics (those are the best) - all caught on camera to remember forever. The excitement I have from knowing the next several years will only bring more adventures, memories, and new friendships brings me so much joy.
I have made some of the sweetest friendships. I cannot even explain how special my friends are to me, although at times I think they make me crazy. Thank you for sharing your hearts with this world and making it a better place everyday. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to meet these many kind-hearted people that have influenced my life and led me closer to You.
College has been more than I ever expected, especially since I was so scared to leave home and start on a new journey. I found so much comfort and joy throughout high school, in everything from sports to friendships. I absolutely loved my high school years, but towards the end remember being ready for something "fresh" or "different". It's incredible looking back on high school, and realizing all those times I thought the small dilemmas were going to be the end of me though. I didn't put anything into perspective, and wasn't able to realize that until this year. I am so thankful for my high school years, along with the friendships and memories I made with them, but I think everyone has a time when they wonder what the next step in life will bring. The freedom, the friendships, and the fun that comes with college is thrilling. I've learned so many lessons in the small time I've been at college, and have witnessed truths I had never recognized before. But as I look back on my four years of high school, I wouldn't trade what they taught me, and what they are still teaching me now, for the world. I decided to write a letter of "advice" to you wonderful human beings who are so ready for this "fresh start" of college.
--dear high schoolers,
What you have heard over and over is true. The best is yet to come. High school is not your whole life. It really doesn't matter how many friends you have or how popular you are. I promise. You are so loved by Jesus, and your joy isn't going to come from other people's approval. Stop working hard to impress others, especially boys. Your heart doesn't deserve to be broken or let down by a relationship that may not be meant to be. You will find someone who thinks the world of you, loves your flaws, and who makes you the better version of yourself. It's not a race to who can find that person first though. Everyone has a different story. God has a plan for your story. Trust in it.
College is a whole new world. You get to choose the life you want to live, and how you want to be seen by others. Don't get too wrapped up in what others think of you right now. I've been there, and done that. Let me tell you, it is really not worth it. Do what you love. Love who you are. Stand up for others.
Be the one to stop judging others and start encouraging others to live for Jesus. Stop living for the world, because you will only be let down. You are enough and you don't have to be something that you are not to fit in with the crowd. Every little thing that goes wrong in high school is not the end of the world.
I challenge you to focus on the positives and make a difference in people's lives. High school can be a tough time for people, and imagine the impact you could have on someone by spreading kindness and being a light of positivity. Cherish your time with close friends and family. Be kind and love always. Be patient. You will get what you deserve, whether in a few days or five years. But, if something is not meant for you, then you deserved better. I promise you will be rewarded for your patience, and God will bless your life more than you could ever imagine.
You are special and loved. I can't wait for you all to experience college, but know your time in high school is precious and can never be returned. Make the most of it. :)
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much love & HAPPY SUMMER,
~Lauren
XOXOXO
