When I was fifteen, I thought I knew everything. Obviously, I was wrong. I don’t regret anything, as I am who I am today because of my choices. But much has changed and despite it only being six years ago, there are some things I wish I could say to my younger, less mature self.
1. Boys are fun, but you will not marry your fifteen year old boyfriend: don’t get so het up over it. Enjoy your youth, your friends and your studies – you will spend the majority of your young adult life dating, so embrace the time in which you’re growing up.
2. Read and study more. This links to number one: I used to read tonnes, then boys got in the way. If I read more and studied harder, then I would be in a much better position now
3. Everything happens for a reason, take every opportunity you are given.
4. Always follow your dreams, no matter how big: I am so proud of myself for making a feature length film at fifteen, and it’s still one of my greatest achievements.
5. Be more sociable: talk to everyone and anyone, listen to people, engage with them and make new friends.
6. Your mum knows what you are going through, she’s not an alien: build that relationship that you refused to acknowledge.
7. Put your hand up more in class! You always knew the answer but refused to open your mouth. Apart from in Art, in Art you should’ve shut up more.
8. Have more confidence in yourself. You are beautiful.
9. Live for the present, stop wishing for things to ‘hurry up’, or for the future – never wish away your life. Make the most of the moment you’re in.
10. Your heart will get broken. But it will heal too, and you’ll be so much stronger for it.
Unfortunately, I sound like my mother. And I know that my fifteen year old self definitely wouldn’t have listened to this advice (I knew best after all!). However, I’m glad of what I have learnt. Hopefully when I have children of my own, they’ll fall far from the tree and take my advice.
