📣Welcome to the Whinypaluza column called Teenage Tuesdays, written by Rebecca's daughter Ella Greene, who is 16 years old!
➡️Look forward to a new blog from Ella from a teenage perspective on Tuesdays!

Dear Freshmen

I know you’re scared. Starting high school can be hard and scary, but you’re not alone. You’re surrounded by people who just want to help you. So no, Freshmen Friday is not a thing, the upperclassmen are not mean (unless you suck), and I promise you will find friends and your classes. 

But high school is what you make of it - you have to apply yourself, get involved, and give it your all. If you do that, you will have a good high school experience. And don’t tell me you “don’t do clubs” because guess what, now you do. Everyone goes into high school thinking they are “too cool” to get involved until they promptly realize they are not. 

You are not. End of sentence for almost anything. You are not too cool, you are not too young, and you are not stupid. Stop telling yourself that. Don’t negate yourself, don’t put yourself in a box, just let yourself be; high school is a time to break out of your boxes, not put yourself in more. 

Eventually, you will make it through, and you will realize you don’t even recognize the version of yourself you are now - that’s good! That’s what’s supposed to happen. These years are times for rapid change and growth that will transform you, and that should be exciting. High school is exciting, so don’t spend the whole time waiting for summer. 

I made it through my freshmen year. It wasn’t easy. I was insecure, scared, and so naive. I had my fair share of panic, anxiety, and overcoming. But I worked through it - and you can too – even when it feels like the world is ending, you’ll find that’s where it begins.

In summary, here’s my list of advice 
- You’re surrounded by people who want to help you, utilize them. 
- High school is what you make of it.
- Don’t put yourself in any boxes, you can do anything.  
- When it feels like the world is ending, that’s actually where it begins.

Until next time, 

Ella Greene (your favorite junior).

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