Things you should know......

• 1.       Learn to appreciate small things. Whether it's having a computer, having friends, having a good supply of food, a bed to sleep on, family that loves you, having an decent education or simply being born in this world. Remember that the point of life is for you to enjoy it. Be happy, and life will reward you. Remember that these are the last few years you will be able to enjoy yourself without having to worry about the responsibility of an adult, but make sure you prepare yourself for when you do become one. When you actually become an adult, you'll learn to love that responsibility and you probably never want to go back
• 2.      Choose your friends wisely. Unlike what many articles state, you don't have to be popular and have gazillion friends to be happy. In fact, many of the "friends" you have when you are popular are not true friends. Try to have friends that like you for who you are, not just because you are wearing a certain brand of shoes or something like that.
• 3.      Play a sport or work out. Having a healthy body leads to a healthy and happy mind. Being confident in your appearance makes you more confident in other areas.
• 4.      Be sociable. Participating in clubs, activities, and sports increases your chances of meeting new friends. While you only need 4 or 5 close friends, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to meet new people. Participating gives you something to do instead of sitting bored at home and wallowing in self- pity.
• 5.      Go for it! If you have a special girl/guy you want to ask out, just ask! You probably won't be rejected but if you are, remember that there will always be someone else that likes you for who you are. Don't go to sleep that night wishing you would have asked them. About 90% of the girls or guys you talk to will like you back, only about 10% probably will reject or badmouth you.

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• 6.      Keep your grades up. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your hard work pay off in the form of A's and B's (but mainly A's). This also sets you up to get into a higher institution you want to go to, which in turn prepares you for a career you will enjoy, improving your quality of life in the future.
• 7.      You can pursue interests you enjoy. Video games, for example, are good if you're the type who can get into that kind of thing. You should also find a hobby that is meaningful or practical. Learn an instrument, or get into something else in the creative field like painting or dance, because this is the time to start developing and uncovering passions that might otherwise lie dormant.
• 8.      Do your best at everything so you can be proud of everything you do. But remember to give yourself a break when you fail. jLife is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. You always regret the things you don't do.
• 9. If you are not good at sports, join a band or choir. You'll still be going to games for free like the jocks if you are in pep band, and you have as many opportunities to meet new people as the jocks. Band and choir sometimes involves going on trips, and are great memories to have for high school and college. If you are not good at either music or sports, you can join other activities, start other hobbies, or get a job.
• 10. Do well in school. Even though you want to enjoy your teen life as best as possible, don't slack off in school. It will pay off in the end. Plus, doing well means no angry parents.
• 11.Plan something in the future. By doing this you will always have something to look forward to. If your feeling down, if you have something ot look forward to, then it will help pull you through this tough era and get you excited about the future.