I look back on my early high school years, then I look at who I am today. I only wish I had a time machine to go back and try to give 13-year-old me a wake up call: be a part of something, care less about how you’re perceived, and take (beneficial) risks even if you’re scared. Take a chance.

I would tell her: nobody cares about what you’re wearing, what your hair looks like, or what type of backpack you have. Even if you have a funky wardrobe day, do you really think people are going to remember that you wore a stained flannel or sequined Uggs on one Tuesday three years from now? No. I can remember sitting in class thinking to myself, “why did I wear this? I look horrible, now everyone’s going to notice.” The fact is, everyone else is thinking about themselves and their teenage awkwardness. They’re not thinking about you.

I’d tell my 13-year-old self: join something: a club, a sport, volunteer, just get involved. Once you join a club or start a sport, try to stick with it. However, if you’re completely miserable with the activity it’s okay to quit. Don’t make yourself miserable, but try to find something you enjoy. I was in the drama club as an eighth grader and a freshman, but then stopped trying out for the plays because my friends stopped trying out. I had a lot of fun doing the haunted house and participating in musicals, but when my friends stopped so did I. Don’t let your friends have that kind of impact on you. You shouldn’t base your decisions on what your friends are doing. Real friends won’t care what you do; and, if anything, they should support you and your interests.

I’d say to my younger self: put yourself out there and talk to that special someone. Most of us have had crushes. Maybe you have a cute lab partner in science, and you’re too afraid to strike up a conversation. The outcome could be great, but a lot of people tend to do nothing about it. You might be afraid of sounding stupid, or awkward, and worrying about what they’ll think of you. You don’t want them to think you’re weird. But who was ever weird for starting a conversation? Don’t just sit there and admire from afar, get the courage to talk. Even if they don’t like you in return, would you rather be stuck with “what if?” Maybe you’ll wind up bumping into eachother at your 10-year reunion and find out the two of you liked each other. What good will that information be then? Take a chance while you can, because you really don’t have all the time in the world.

If there is one thing I would make sure 13-year-old Emma knew was to stop worrying. Rather, worry about what’s really important, and put aside the superficial teenage stuff.