Letter to a high school junior

1. These high school years to by fast. Try to enjoy and savor every moment.
2. At the same time people will say that these are the best years of your life. They’re not. The best is yet to come.
3. It is possible to make mistakes right now that will affect the rest of your life. Tread carefully.
4. But don’t let that paralyze you. Use the judgment skills that your parents have given you in trying to discern what to do.
5. And don’t be afraid to ask the opinion of others.
6. But not necessarily of your friends – remember this is all new to them too.
7. Read as much as you can now for education and pleasure. Books on tape if you have to. You will never have as much free time to do so again.
8. Be holy. No body says that any more, but as Catholics that is really what we’re trying to be.
9. So emulate your favorite saint as much as possible. Read and study everything you can about her.
10. Take good care of your body. It has a long way to go so take care of it now.
11. Guard your heart. Romance is fun but it can also be hurtful. Don’t give your heart to just anyone.
12. It’s great to have a lot of friends, but if you are lucky you will have only one or two really close friends. Not everyone deserves your confidence.
13. Don’t go into debt. Work three jobs if you have to, but don’t go into debt.
14. If that means it takes you a year or two longer to finish so be it. Better a few years longer in school than decades in debt!
15. It doesn’t matter too much where you go to school. For the most part, employers just want to know that you graduated.
16. There’s no shame in physical labor. Work is work.
17. Don’t get married until you’re ready to have kids. That’s what marriage is all about and really is a wonderful life.
18. Don’t be afraid to call home if you ever get into trouble. Yea, sure your parents might be disappointed and maybe even scold you- but they’ll get over it because they love you.
19. Pray. Learn how to pray all the time, for everything. Learn it now while you’re still young.
20. You’ll have the face you deserve when you’re old. So practice being happy and kind now. It will actually show on your face later!