If I could go back to high school knowing what I know now, things would be very different.

I’d realize how I was really standing on the precipice of the rest of my life.

I’d change my mindset from “just getting through to the next day/ weekend to a realization. I’d start to see that everything I was going through now WAS in fact preparing me for my future.

I would not give up my desire to be what I wanted to be. Despite my parents telling me “You can’t do that – it costs too much money,” Despite the danger, despite my fear, I would follow my dream.

If I could go back, I’d keep myself as close to all those people who kept me smiling. The people who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

If I could go back… My life would be different. I’d have fewer regrets. And more smile lines.