Things I would tell a teenage girl i.e. my daughter, if I had one, my niece, my granddaughter, or my teen self if I could go back in time.

• Never tell yourself you aren’t good enough to try out for something. Even if you don’t make it, the process is one of learning and you are setting an example to be brave enough to try
• Don’t compare yourself to others. It is damaging, demeaning, and unnecessary; you are the only you God made
• Money doesn’t equate to intelligence, self-worth, or esteem. If you come from money, you are not better than anyone else. If you don’t come from money, you are not inferior to anyone else
• Don’t listen to people who gossip or name call; they are likely filled with self-hate and have low self esteem
• If a boy doesn’t ask you out, don’t take it personally. They might be intimidated and afraid to make the move
• If a boy does ask you out, don’t feel obligated to do something you shouldn’t
• Self-confidence is so much prettier and more powerful than what society calls good looks
• Study, study, study
• Highschool is temporary. 5 years after you graduate, you won’t see most of your classmates on a regular basis, if at all
• Keep your body pure
• One bad decision can affect your entire life
• Don’t be ashamed to say no to the bad things; set the example
• Be respectful to your teachers
• Be kind to other students, especially those that are teased or bullied
• Hold your head high in the hall and be brave enough to give eye contact
• Smile at others
• Don’t be afraid to turn a bully in
• If you are the popular one, be kind to those that aren’t. Be the trend setter
• Go out of your way to make friends with others, especially those that aren’t like you
• Never build yourself up by tearing another down
• Go to the football, baseball, and soccer games or track, swimming and other activities
• Be on a team that builds a float at least once
• Learn a second language
• Don’t believe labels that are put on you or others
• Don’t be afraid to raise your hand in class
• Find the person sitting alone in the lunchroom and sit at their table
• Go to your graduation