<p>I wish I had realized what matters more, earlier. That I didn’t need to volunteer tons, that I didn’t need a 4.0, that I didn’t need to do everything colleges wanted me to do. I do believe that this year I questioned my beliefs a lot more, and did more of what I loved (more running, skating, academic subjects that I liked). I made a lot of friends this year that I know I’ll cherish more than the ones I’ve been trying to maintain a relationship with for so long. I’m glad I finally realized college is not all there is to life, and who the heck cares if I don’t get into a top college, because at the end of the day–I’m going to be happy with whatever I did. </p>
<p>On a more personal level, I do wish I had been more confident earlier. I’m by NO MEANS one of those gorgeous girls, but puberty made me very very very awkward from 7th-10th grade, and finally hit me hard summer 2011. In hindsight, I know I put up a bitter and angry persona to attract some means of attention I couldn’t get with my looks, and I regret that. It definitely made me some friends I gave up this year, and caused others to edge away from me. Not sure if I have better friends and am happier this year because I (in my opinion) am not as awkwardly shaped, but I shouldn’t have had such a lousy personality.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I can’t go back in time and tell my crazy 9th grade self this information. I didn’t live it up, exactly, the past few years, but I finally did this year, and am planning on doing so next year as well.</p>