how do I tell the boy who sleeps three hours a night that I'm tired?
how do I say to the kid who takes all AP classes that I'm overwhelmed with work?
why has high school become a competition of who can suffer the most?
saying that you went to bed at 4 am this morning is apparently a prize of hard work
and complaining about how much homework you have has suddenly become cool
different diagnoses of mental illnesses become less like secrets and more like common knowledge
some kids turn to nicotine and alcohol while others turn to other addictions even more harmful
I see boys who attach to other girls and can't stay single
that is their addiction
I see girls attach to toxic friends because they can't stand walking to lunch alone
that is their addiction
I'm tired of seeing empty smiles and posed photos of fake candid moments on Instagram
I'm into the real people who can express themselves when times get tough and don't try to cover it up
it's not easy being in high school and sometimes putting on a fake smile is the only way to get through it
but it doesn't have to be the worst years of our lives and we don't have to suffer in silence
no matter how hard it gets, there are always people there to support you
even if you got into a fight with your parents, theres a friend to reassure you of your worth
if you feel like you are not loved or wanted, there is always someone there who will love and want you
times can get really tough, but with every low point there is a high point
sometimes little things like a dessert you eat or hearing a new song can be a reminder of why you chose to persevere
seek help when you need it, trust your friends, and don't blame your teachers when you get a bad grade because you didn't do the homework
high school is not an easy four years, but you can make a positive impact on yourself and others around you if you remain optimistic about the future
-what I've learned so far in high school (written by a junior)
