10 Things I Wish I Knew 10 Years Ago

Ten years ago, I was a scrappy little 12 year old getting through middle school one Facebook status update of Paramore lyrics at a time. I was excited to move on to high school and explore the big world that is Pittsboro, North Carolina. Ten years later, I'm a recent college graduate on the hunt for a Real World Job. There are a million things I know now (or I'm learning now) that I wish I knew back then, but for the sake of catchiness, here's 10.

1. Nobody really knows what they want to be when they grow up.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a fashion designer, a superstar, a novelist and a whole host of other things. I definitely didn't aspire to any of those old dreams, nor did I end up wanting to do what I thought I would when I was 12, 15 or 18. Our dreams grow with our experiences. I'm sure my career goals will change as my exposure to new opportunities does now, even as a college graduate. Really, nobody knows for sure until they get out there and try things out.

2. What you consider to be stylish right now will definitely change.

I thought big belts and gauchos were cool for a period of my life and now I laugh at those old photos. In that same way, I'm sadly pretty sure that there will come a time in my life where I laugh at what I like to wear currently.

3. High school and middle school drama is just that, school drama.

Though it feels like the end of the world, the little fights and and dramatic events that happen won't mean so much in a few years. Things that used to seem so huge aren't that big at all. That being said, somehow adults can still find a way to bring petty drama into things at time — just don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

4. Plan your future, but don't bet on it.

I was certain I knew where I wanted to go to college when I was a freshman in high school. I wanted to make it big in acting or writing by attending a school in New York City. By the beginning of my senior year, I was positive I wanted to stay close to home and planned to mostly apply to schools in North Carolina. One day, my parents told me we would be moving to Virginia after I graduated high school. Next thing I know, I'm attending a university I love in the Shenandoah Valley. I'm glad I had plans for myself, but even more glad that they were changed.

5. You never know who will be there.

This sounds a bit pessimistic, but it doesn't need to be. What I mean is you don't know which friends will be lifelong pals and which are just around for a little bit. Treat the people in your life with love and respect — that way, you're either nurturing lasting friendships or creating great memories you can cherish in the future.

6. Respect your teachers, even in the subjects you hate.

Teachers devote their lives to shaping your future. I always loved school, but I never really thought about just how much teachers go through until I became friends with education majors in college. I wish I took more time to appreciate the work my teachers did with love.

7. Be the person you actually want to be.

Don't be who others think you're supposed to be. Authenticity will get you far while keeping you happy. That can be easier said than done when everyone is expecting different things of you, but finding your passions and exploring them will lead to true fulfillment.

8. Loyalty is everything.

Once you've found your passions, stay loyal to them. Don't give up on something if it doesn't come easy all the time. Same for relationships — stay loyal to your friends and loved ones even when it's hard to love them all the time.

9. Mom jeans will come back in style.

On a light and trivial note, I'd be delighted to know earlier in life that the high-waisted, baggy denim shorts I bought at the thrift store would eventually actually be trendy again. Teal eyeliner, however, never came back in style.

10. It's OK to not have it figured out all the time.

Similar to #1, it's ok to be a little lost at times — or totally lost. Being an adult (or trying to be an adult) isn't having it together all the time. You can know your goals but not know for sure how to get there. Sometimes being an adult is faking it until you make it.