Things I had to learn the hard way

Quit slacking
Girl, I'm so serious when I say this. Pull yourself together and do your math homework. Maybe it will even help you out on your tests.

Do not be afraid to ask for help
Having questions does not make you dumb. The people in your life care about you and are always going to be willing to help you.

Thinner eyebrows are not always better
Stop going to that nail salon across the street to get your brows waxed. They are not doing you any favors.

Stop comparing yourself to others
You are not everyone else, and you should embrace that! There is nothing wrong with who you are. You are unique and you should be proud of that.

Find beauty within yourself
Stop looking to others for validation! Boys who overlook you because you're fat where never worth your time to begin with. You is kind, you is smart, you is important.

Your natural hair is beautiful!
STOP getting relaxers. They are damaging your hair. Your hair will get long af in college once all that relaxed hair grows out!

It's okay to eliminate negative people from your life
You're a nice person, so people are going to like you. I know that this may seem like a good thing, but the reality is that you will attract a lot of negative people who will try to bring you down with them along the way. Remember that you become who you spend your time with. Chose your friends wisely, and do not be afraid to dump these people.

Stop focusing on your weaknesses
Yes, you are bad at math. But you are great in other areas! Focus on those and don't let the your challenges stress you out too much.

Don't stress out about college
You will get into college, and you will make the right choice.

Your parents are not out to get you
As a teenager living under your parents' roof, it is easy to feel as though your parents are trying to keep you from having fun. When you move out and live on your own, you will realize that this world can be a scary place without your parents there to protect and guide you.