Hey You Kids....

As some of you probably know, my current job involves a whole lot of interaction with high school kids. I spend around an hour a day, almost every day, in the middle of the high school lunch scene....and it sure is entertaining. High schoolers are definitely a different breed of people. I have a lot of fun talking to these kids every day and watching and listening to them interact with each other but, I would be lying if I said I didn't want to just shake them sometimes. I am, by no means, an expert on anything, but I do think that I have learned a LOT in the almost four years since I graduated from high school. I definitely have a different perspective on things than I used to. I've started finding myself feeling like a mom or a guidance counselor who wants to just sit these kids down and tell them what's really important in life. So, with all that said, here is a list of 50 things I would tell high school Cassie and/or tell the kids that I interact with every day if I knew they wouldn't look at me like I'm a crazy person.

1. If someone tries to give you advice, don't look at them like they are a crazy person.
2. Be confident in who you are. The way you are.
3. There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness. So get your nose out of the air and slow down on the selfies.
4. There are much more important things to do in life than be the Homecoming queen....or even the Valedictorian.
5. Make friends with your teachers.
6. Take school seriously, but don't make yourself miserable.
7. Incessant swearing is not cool and will actually be a turn-off to most future admissions departments, professors, employers, and really anyone important.
8. Your parents do,  in fact, know what they are talking about.
9. Don't judge people before you know them. Just don't.
10. The number of people you kiss, date, etc. is not a competition. Don't treat it like one.
11. Your social status in high school will mean nothing after graduation.
12. Spend lots of time with your family.
13. Never ever let anyone else dictate your happiness.
14. Go to football games.
15. Don't be afraid to spend time by yourself.
16. You will never be so superior to someone that you no longer have to be nice.
17. If you haven't already, learn proper spelling and grammar. It's arguably the most important thing you will learn in school.
18. Get involved and be well-rounded.
19. Thank your parents for all the little things they do for you.
20. You won't get what you don't ask for. (and it's better to ask for yourself than having your friend ask for you)
21. Find something to believe in.
22. The brand of your clothes, the people you hang out with, the model of your car, and the number of  "likes" you get on Facebook do not make you any better or any worse than anyone else.
23. Don't be a drama queen.
24. Don't change yourself for anyone.
25. Wear clothes that fit you.
26. Choose to see the good in everyone.
27. Ask people about themselves and then LISTEN.
28. Don't burn bridges.
29. Be present.
30. Say "please" and "thank you."
31. Embrace your weirdness.
32. Boys are dumb. Girls are crazy. Don't let members of the opposite sex get to you too much.
33. Go to the movies with your mom.
34. Stand up for what you believe in - no matter how uncool.
35. Live in the moment, but look toward the future.
36. Go on a road trip with your friends.
37. Stop saying rude things about other people.
38. Sometimes it's fine to build a blanket fort and watch a Disney movie with your friends.
39. Do good things without the motivation of recognition.
40. Be real.
41. Read for pleasure.
42. Drugs, sex, alcohol. No, no, no.
43. Don't spend too much money on your sparkly jeans. People don't really wear them after high school.
44. Enjoying yourself at the expense of someone else is not fine.
45. Good hygiene is soooo important.
46. Watch "Boy Meets World" and listen to everything that Mr. Feeny says.
47. Overachieve.
48. It's fine if you don't care what other people think of you, but if people think you're rude then you should probably start caring.
49. Don't hate on your hometown.
50. Remember that high school doesn't last forever, so enjoy it while you can!