Recently, I hit a significant milestone—20 years since I tossed my cap into the air with 364 classmates on graduation day. As I stood there under a setting sun, my hair styled to perfection with an alarming amount of hairspray, we celebrated our time in the school that shaped us. We laughed, cried, and reminisced about our unique high school experiences. Looking back, I can’t help but think about how much easier life could have been if I could share some wisdom with my younger self (let’s call her Hair-Obsessed Kelly, or HOK for short).
While life has been kind in many ways, there are certainly a few lessons I wish I could have shared with my past self. Here are five insights I wish I could have imparted to HOK.
1. Travel While You Can
One of my biggest regrets is not taking advantage of the opportunity to travel right after high school. Instead of spending my summers working at a desk job, I should have been exploring new places. Youth hostels, while not luxurious, are perfect for young adventurers who don’t mind roughing it a bit. A trip to Europe can cost as much as a year of college, so seize the chance to explore while you’re still able to embrace spontaneity. Pack your old car, grab some friends, and hit the road—you won’t regret it!
2. Social Circles Expand Over Time
High school can feel like a social minefield. While I wasn’t a total outcast, I often felt like I didn’t fit in entirely. Fast forward a decade or so, and those high school hierarchies fade away. You’ll find yourself reconnecting with old classmates online, cheering them on in their new roles as parents or professionals. By the time you hit your 20th reunion, you’ll realize that everyone has grown and changed, and those social pressures from years ago are long gone.
3. Your First Love Is a Stepping Stone
Most of us have that one significant first love from high school—the one who made our hearts race and taught us about love and heartache. For me, my first relationship helped me understand what I truly need in a partner. After a bittersweet breakup, I eventually found a love that was more fulfilling. It’s comforting to know that those early experiences shape us for the better—first loves help pave the way to lasting happiness.
4. Fashion Trends Change for the Better
I cringe when I think back to my high school fashion choices, from oversized sweaters to parachute pants. While I loved my Liz Claiborne bags, the rest of my wardrobe was a hodgepodge of styles that don’t hold up to today’s standards. If only I could have told HOK that trends change, and that she wouldn’t need to endure the fashion faux pas of her youth forever.
5. High School Is Just the Beginning
Many TV shows glamorize high school as the best time of your life, but let me tell you: that’s just not true. College and adult life bring their own adventures and opportunities for personal growth. The excitement of chasing dreams, building a career, and starting a family far surpasses the memories of lockers and cafeteria lunches. High school is just a stepping stone to the incredible journey ahead.
As I reflect on my own high school experiences, I recognize that while they were meaningful, they were merely the beginning of a much larger life story. The past is cherished, but the future shines with possibilities.
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Summary:
Reflecting on high school experiences often leads to valuable insights. Key lessons include the importance of travel, the evolving nature of social circles, the role of first love in finding lasting relationships, the ever-changing landscape of fashion, and the realization that high school is just the start of a much larger journey filled with excitement and opportunity.