If I could write a note to my 15-year-old self, I would tell her to reconsider that one haircut. But at age 25, there are a few more tidbits I would share with that young, self-conscious yet vivacious self:

1. Popularity in high school means absolutely nothing
It’s hard to imagine a world beyond high school when you’re in high school. But there is a big, wide world out there. And being “cool” or “trendy” or popular will not get you ahead outside of high school. It won’t make you better or smarter. It really just doesn’t matter. Just cherish the friends you have because they are all that matter and will matter later in life.

2. Be yourself
Don’t change for anyone. Don’t be something you’re not to impress someone or to get the attention of the boy/girl you like. We’ve all been there. But would you rather have someone who loves you for who you are or who you pretend to be? Be comfortable in your own skin.

3. That break-up is not the end of the world
Sometimes friends “break-up”. Sometimes people just don’t get along. And sometimes people just grow apart. The same goes for a relationship. Don’t think that it’s the end of the world if you lose someone important to you, even if it feels like it at the time. As someone who has been through both friendship “break-ups” and couple break-ups, I can tell you it’s one of the worst feelings in the world. But I can also tell you that time really does make it all better. Life DOES go on and you will be happy again. It’s a long healing process.

4. You are more than just your appearance
When I was in middle/high school, I had what I would call bad acne. I was not confident at all and was flat out fed up with my face. I thought I’d never be attractive to the opposite sex and no one would ever want me. But the truth is, a lot of young people suffer from low self-esteem. Here’s what I learned: A. The people who really love me, loved me regardless of my skin troubles. My parents, my sister, my friends, they all loved me just the same. B. The best kinds of people are the ones who can look beyond something as trivial as acne and see your true beauty, inside and out.

5. Don’t ever give up
Whatever you are struggling with–remember you are worth it an you deserve good things. Always strive to meet your goals. Listen to critics with an open mind. Accept and appreciate the compliments. Ignore those who insult and put you down. I can’t stress that enough. People who throw out insults and low blows are insecure enough to feel the need to bring you down, and the best way to get back at them is to IGNORE. Don’t engage, don’t argue. Just ignore, because you’re better than that. Focus on you.