14 Notes for Year 14

It's surreal that in less than a week, I'll be embarking on my fourteenth and final year of school. Woah. Time is crazy, and I despise thinking about it as it only leads to an existential crisis. Rather than cringing and reflecting on specific memories over the past 13 years, I thought I would create these 14 notes for my future self, and all those entering a new school year, to take on board.

1. Your health will always come first.

No matter how far behind you are in work or how desperate you are for that top grade, if you aren't alive to see it, then it would be all pointless. Be it mental or physical health, you have to put it before that history essay or those maths questions. Always. Look after yourself.

2. Every little victory counts.

Appreciate every single bit of progress you make, no matter how small. Go up a percentage in a test? Great. Finally accepted that "a lot" is two words? Marvellous. Finally learnt what that weird button on your calculator does? Fantastic. Be proud of yourself always.

3. There will always be someone better.

Yup. A-l-w-a-y-s. If you're constantly comparing yourself, you'll never be happy. As individuals, we thrive in different aspects of life; some in academia, others elsewhere: some in arts, others in science. The only person you should ever be trying to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

4. Teachers just want the best for you.

I know they nag. I know they take forever to mark things. I know they set far too much homework. But they're doing their best, and you should really appreciate that. Our education system is a shambles as it is - they hate tests and assessments just as much as you do. Give them a chance. Do your best. Be respectful. There's nothing worse than the show-off that thinks they're too good for the class or teacher - trust me, the rest of your class will be not-so-silently hating you.

5. Speak out.

Do not let your tongue disintegrate from fear of judgement, anxiety, shyness. I spent far too many years hiding with my head down, not participating because I was scared I would be mocked. But, guess what? You learn best from making mistakes. You'll be grateful for throwing yourself in at the deep end. That's the type of courage that will only grow over time. Engage in lessons, let your brain grow, and your fear shrink.

6. Life is still happening. 

The day-to-day routine of early starts, school, homework, sleep, with food/showering/procrastinating thrown in there can seem relentless. You can feel trapped. However, life is still happening. Don't let your entire world become school. Remember to walk your dog and talk to your grandparents. 

7. Tea.

It will always be there for you, and it fixes a lot. Don't forget.

8. There will be tough times. 

There will also be wonderful times. Hang in there. You have got this.

9. Always bring a spare pen. 

There'll be a time that you need to borrow one, so remember to lend one whilst you can. Unless you don't get it back. Then, well, you've a good excuse for lacking a spare.

10. Your effort will pay off.

It sucks getting an F when you worked your ass off. But learn something from it; was it down to your exam technique? Do you need to review your revision methods? Keep trying. 

11. Not everyone is like you.

Not everyone expresses friendship like you do, or shows that they care in the same way as you. Not everyone will bend over backwards as you would do for them. It's not necessarily personal; how people treat you tells you more about them than it ever will you. Be patient with everyone; we're all blessed and burdened in different ways.

12. Homework diaries are handy. 

I am the worst at remembering homework. Actually, I'm awful at remembering a lot of things. I need to write it down, and chances are you aren't going to remember five (or more) homeworks you receive in one day. Write. It. Down. There's nothing worse than the embarrassment of being the only one with an incomplete homework, or the frustration of having "that" person who just never does it. 

13. You've made it this far.

When you don't think you can hold on, remember your four year old self. Remember how she picked up a pencil for the first time to learn how to write. Remember how she was mesmerised that her teacher could write so well. Remember how her brain was a sponge, wanting to learn and learn and learn and never forget. Remember that that four year old is still alive within you. Don't let that fire burn out.

14. You have got this. 

If you haven't got faith in yourself, then hear me now: I have faith in you. I believe in you. I know you can do this. Utilise your support, and talk to someone if you're struggling. Don't be hard on yourself. 

You have got this.

Take care,