Dear 13-Year-Old Me

Dear 13-year-old Sam

You're just finishing Year Seven and going into Year Eight. Last year was tough and I wish I could tell you it gets better, but I'm not a fan of lying to myself. However, there are things that do improve so don't crumple this letter up now and wallow in self-pity for the next four years.

First things first: leaving your group of Year Seven friends is the best thing you've ever done. They turned out to be great people, but they're not the right people for you to be hanging out with right now.

After leaving you’ll join a massive group which gradually forms into the amazing friends I have today. They're supportive and understanding, and above all you feel accepted, which you don't now. I know it's scary, but it's worth the anxiety it causes. Besides, you've got your best friend with you, so it'll all be okay.

Secondly, this is about the time you start getting into a different sort of music and identifying with different sorts of people. This is okay too, but remember that others' interests are just as valid as yours. Just because someone likes a band you don't like doesn't mean you can look down on them, and just because someone dresses a certain way doesn't give you the right to judge them.

That sort of elitism isn't good for anyone; it damages relationships and only makes you more insecure. Who knows, you may even like some of those things if you give them a chance rather than roll your eyes at them. Trust me, when you stop judging people by what they wear or what they listen to and instead base your opinions on who they are, you lose a lot of anger and hate. You need to stop caring what others are doing and just become comfortable in yourself.

My last point, which is probably the most important and will have the most negative reception, is please learn to study. I know you can get away with it now; you don't do a single bit of homework and you get straight A’s. But the problem is, later, you won’t. You need to work extremely hard to try and get the same marks, and because you've been relying on natural ability, you have no idea how.

So please, please get into the habit of studying early on. It'll make the later years far easier. Honestly, I'm in Year 12 and freaking out over all the information I need to learn, I have no idea how to study and I'm not used to working for my grades. If you don't want to have a nervous breakdown in the year where it counts, learn how to study now.

There's plenty more to look forward to - school productions, travelling and new friendships to name a few - but I'll leave that for you to discover on your own. There are tough times ahead and you need to stay strong. Just remember that every time you feel like you can't cope, I did. And there is always good at the other side.

Love, Sam

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