To the Person You Hope You'll Become

Dear 2011 Emerald Nguyen,

Whatever you do, stay away from the cafeteria food; YOU WILL GET STOMACH ACHES BY FIFTH PERIOD. BE AWARE!

I know starting high school is a really scary and big step in your (teenage) life. However, it's easier to just keep yourself together and do not sweat the small stuff. It's inevitable that you're going to run into speed bumps such as drama, boys, friendship fights, hard classes, unfair teachers. Despite all that, it's just a small speck that shouldn't be stressed out over. All you should do is focus on yourself - your grades, classes, music. Just keep your eye on how YOU are doing, no one else.

Okay, I know this is going to be hard, but try your best to remember... No boy is worth losing sleep for and no boy is worth your tears! It's just high school, the chances of you being with them for the rest of your life are very slim. Boys will come and go so how you continue on with life will always be stuck with you. Don't let them get in the way of your true greatness.

Do your best to not procrastinate. As you progress into the school year and high school career, you will very easily lose motivation in doing homework and keeping up with your grades. Don't slack; just don't do it. You're going to regret it so much. Make it your goal to make your second semester grades even better than your first semester ones. It'll feel so amazing and accomplishing.

Don't waste your time being "friends" with people who make you feel left out or hard to be friends with. Your friends will have a very big impact with how you feel the majority of your time at school. Surround yourself with people you truly want to be around. There will be friends who you are only friends with because you see them every day. That's okay, just try to keep in touch after the year is over.

You're going to do great things, don't worry. Just let the cards fall where they may.

"Pain is temporary. GPA is forever."

- 2015 Em