What’s something you wish someone told you in high school which you didn’t believe at the time? 

Next week, I’m heading back to speak at my high school. Looking for inspiration, I posted this question on Facebook today and the amount of responses blew me away. I wanted to share what everyone said in a single post. I hope you enjoy.

Passionate > cool. Nick Soman

That the only opinions of you that matter are your own and those of the people who truly care about you. The opinions of some random crowd at school are so incredibly insignificant in the big picture that is life. Sarah Mason

That whatever is going on at home does not have to be your story. Antonio Neves

There’s no right or wrong path in life, just jump and see where it takes you. You will be scared, not sure if you are making the right decision, but taking that first step will open up a world of opportunity. Espree Devora

Being like everyone else sucks. Also put $1000 into Apple stock instead of car speakers. Allan Branch

Do your best. It really will pay off in the long run. And, look long into the future. There’s much more to life than your teenage years. Patti Icenogle Schroeder

The stuff you learn in high school you will use later in life! Ryne Meardy

All the little fights and dramas with friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends wont mean a thing after you walk across the stage and graduate. It feels like the end of the world but to be honest, your life hasn’t even started. Jessica Strattman Stock

Shoot for the stars dream big and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something. Oh and life isn’t fair. Brian Wils

Your life doesn’t last the only 4 years of high school. It’s only just beginning! Your best friends now may or may not be your best friends after graduation, your boyfriend you would do anything for probably won’t be the one you marry, and just because you don’t make the startling line up now doesn’t mean your worthless. High school is important but it’s only 4 years of importance, it’s the remaining 80 that really count! Amber McCormick

Its okay to not go to a 4 year university. Zachary David

That getting married out of college and the “life path” of big 9-5 job, marriage, babies isn’t the answer — do not get married in your 20s, I repeat, and travel the world. There will be plenty of time for all the adult stuff later. Jeanna Barrett

Seriously don’t do drugs and study hard because 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 years from now none of this other bullshit will matter. Josh Coleman

Enjoy being young and the time spent with your friends Don’t get serious with boys because they aren’t serious with you. Katie Dianne

That high school matters but doesn’t matter. Lauren Van Horn

There is a whole world outside of HS — all the petty fights, drama and BS doesn’t really matter. It seems like that’s your whole world but in reality it’s just the beginning. Miranda Jo Hahn

Go to college Jared O’Brien

I think domain names cost around $100 back in high school and Logan Green Heston Liebowitz and I didn’t buy enough of them. We had some decent ones we didn’t buy available. Matt Van Horn

There is so much more opportunity out there than what school presents to you as possible. Caroline Kelso Winegeart

Don’t look passed the person sitting next to you, behind you, or in front of you. You’ll never know when or where they may show back up in your life and how you may look to them for help one day. Joshua Keith

Get outside your comfort zone. Math is actually useful on a daily basis. Hard work is way more important than innate talent. Stephen Brownell

These are no where near the best days of your life, don’t get caught up In labels and making everything so defined. Love who you love, go after your dreams, and don’t worry about where your “supposed” to be at, just be happy. Kati Jo

Start thinking about your passions now and as you get ready for college, focus on those as you look towards your major. Ashley Wellington-Fahey

College is more about the experience than the grades. It won’t get you a job. It’ll cost you a ton of money, so have yourself a blast while you’re there. Alex Sharp

Get involved in something different! It can open a world of opportunities. Brit Ann C

I wish someone told me that I didn’t have to go to college. Not going didn’t mean that I was a quitter or a bum. Andrew Warner

Don’t worry about what others think or say about you. Keep your dreams as big as possible and make them come true! Michelle Roberts

“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching” AKA…life is going to fly. Don’t worry about highschool drama. Focus on and surround yourself with only positive. Prepare to travel the world, study abroad, meet (and get to know/understand) as many different kinds of people as possible. This is an easy one but I think often overlooked (at least in my home town), move away from home (even if you decide to someday go back)…airplanes and skype make it very easy these days! Thats my 2 cents! Corinna Weller

Believe in yourself, fitting in isn’t as important as you think. Timmy Rohman

Watch the news. Know what’s happening in the world around you. Derek Pitzer