Making a left turn instead of a right...

There are probably over a million times in my life where I wish something would have turned out differently than it did. However, there are also over a million times that I’ve looked back on my life and have been thankful that some things turned out the way they did. Those times we look back on and wish we had said something, or done something different cannot be changed now. But what if they could? What if every time you said the wrong thing, put the wrong answer, or did something you shouldn’t, you could go back and re-do the event? It would be a pretty perfect world I must say. I would have a pretty perfect life. I would love to go back and re-do my first time taking the SAT, and place the right answers down, but we all know that it’s easier said rather than done. I think the things you choose the wrong path on, are setting you up to gain life experiences. If I hadn’t made such a (for lack of a better word) TERRIBLE score on the SAT the first time, I would have no perseverance to do better the next. However, one event this year I would go back and change is who my math teacher is for Algebra 2. I knew after the first day of the class that I wasn’t going to be learning anything, but why didn’t I switch? A certain boy was in my class with me, and of course I stayed because he was there. WHAT A DUMB MOVE. Honestly, if I could just re-do that, my year would be a lot less stressful. I wouldn’t have to be freaking out about my Algebra exam tomorrow because I would know the material. I wouldn’t be freaking out about what I’m going to do next year when I’m in a higher math. I wouldn’t be so worried about getting into college with my math scores. If only I had just listened to my head, and switched classes. Life would be easier. I cannot fathom if there even is going to be a good outcome of having this math teacher. I guess one good thing has come of it actually. I’ll never stay in a class for a boy EVER again. 

15 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 15 (granted I'm 14)

1.       Never stop believing in the magic of Santa Claus, because when you do, the thrill in Christmas fades away. Since its Christmas time, I’ve started to think about how much I wish I still believed in the magic of Christmas. It takes the excitement out of it since you know everything you’re getting. Nothing turns out to be a surprise, and that feeling of when you were a kid, rushing down the stairs to see what Santa had brought you goes away for good.

2.       Never let a boy come between you and your parents. Most likely, he’s not worth it in the long run. It will forever jeopardize the relationship you have with your parents, and the wall of trust they have in you will quickly fall.

3.       Never get roped into doing something you know is wrong. You have a voice, don’t ever forget that! So use it, and stand up for yourself when your friends try to pressure you into difficult situations (like sneaking out of your house).

4.       If he’s not a gentleman, drop him like it’s hot. If he doesn't show respect for you one way, he probably won’t any others either. If he won’t hold your door and treat you like a lady, then he needs to go. NOW.

5.       When your parents tell you “No”, don’t start yelling at them. This will only increase the amount of trouble you are in and doesn’t do anything but maybe help you feel better. Talk to them rationally about the problem, or if you are still so mad that you can’t talk, write a letter! It works wonders, I promise.

6.       Don’t be ungrateful or hateful to your parents. They've probably given up a lot so you could have what you want, so don’t be selfish. They deserve appreciation and respect after all, they pay the bills.

7.       When a boy says “I love you” he most likely doesn't. I’m not saying every boy is like this, but the boys in your future will be, so take this to heart. They say it because you LOVE to hear it. Lots of times we all use the word “love” improperly. Sometimes we think we feel something more, or want something more than to just “like” someone. We want to feel loved and be loved. We want it, even though most of the time our definition of the word is slightly off. All we want to know is that somewhere out there, someone does. I promise you, somewhere they do. However, at this moment and time in your life, this boy doesn't. Pack it up, and move em’ out.

8.       Whoever told you “grades don’t matter” was a liar. Trust me, I get that right now you think that boy you are texting is much more important than the Geometry book sitting next to your phone, but he’s not. You don’t get a second chance at grades like you do with boys. I get it, I slacked off in 9^th grade too, but you would be better off picking up a book rather than a phone. If I had the chance to do it over again, I would have studied harder than I did.

9.       If you’re going to play basketball, PRACTICE. Nothing in life ever comes easy. I’m having to figure this one out the hard way right now. I didn't practice basketball, therefore I pretty much suck. If you are going to dedicate yourself to a sport, take it seriously.

10.   Don’t fight with your nana over something stupid. She’s old, and you never know how much time you have left with her. After that broken-hip scare this summer, you should stop with the talking back, it gets you nowhere in life.

11.   Always have manners. I don’t care where you are, people are always listening. They’re always judging you by what they hear and what they see, so don’t give them the satisfaction of calling you “disrespectful”. When really you just had a bad night and forgot to put the ma’am on the end of yes. You’re mom and dad implemented them for a reason, so use them.

12.   Don’t be afraid of failure. I know I've had a hard time accepting failure. It’s just not in my nature, but be warned that not everyone can succeed. All you can do is try your best. I promise that’s good enough.

13.   Never think you’re not good enough. Just because you may not have the grades of other people, or the SAT scores, or the looks does not mean you do not measure up. It just means that you’re different, and honestly, who wants to be a look-a-like? There will always be someone who you see as “better” than you. My advice, use it as perseverance. “One day, I’ll have better SAT scores than her.” Don’t beat yourself up because you feel like you don’t make the cut, because there is always someone out there comparing themselves to you.

14.   DRESS TO IMPRESS. I don’t care where you go or what you’re doing; you always need to look decent. Everywhere you go there are people judging you for what you look like; it’s in our human nature to judge people’s appearances before we get to know them as a person. “You can never be too smart, or over-dressed” is a fabulous motto. Never give the whole “I just rolled out of bed” look. It doesn't do anything but make people look at you weird.

15.   Classy > trashy. Wherever you go, always be sure to have class. Don’t handle yourself without care and make people ask themselves why they hang around you.  For an example, don’t be disrespectful of other people’s opinions. Simply state yours and listen intently to theirs (see if you can find flaws).