10 Things I Wish I Knew at 15

Fifteen is such a crazy age. You are too young to know anything but old enough to think that you do. I would say that for most parents fifteen is probably a very trying time. I am sure that my parents would agree. For any fifteen year olds out there here is some valuable information that I wish I knew (or listened to someone) about.

1. Importance of School

Although I always did well in school, I could have always done better and if I had perhaps the scholarships I received would have been for more money.

2. Friends Come and Go

When I was younger I always thought my friends were the most important people in my life. Now I know that although some friends remain, it is easy to grow apart from the rest of them.

3. Value of a Dollar

When I was younger, I had no idea how much money things really cost. Once I got a job, I had a better understanding. Saving money is very important and once you turn sixteen you will start working. Learn now that saving is important.

4. Importance of Eating Healthy

When I was younger I was very active. I danced and was a cheerleader and had rigorous workouts so gaining weight luckily didn't happen to me. However I loved bad food. As I got older it got harder and harder to keep weight off but my cravings did not go away. Had I eaten healthy at a younger age, perhaps I would be used to eating that way.

5. Parents Usually do Know Best

Although I could never understand not being allowed out until 2am or why my mom didn't want me to hang out with certain people. Now reflecting back I can understand why. Had I listened then I would have avoided a lot of arguments.

6. Importance of Learning a Language

I took both French and Spanish in high school and did well in the classes but honestly never really tried to learn a language. Today I wish I had really taken the effort to learn them. Being bi-lingual or even tri-lingual is very beneficial in today's world.

7. Enjoy Life

You are young. Too young to have too many responsibilities and therefore you should really enjoy life while you can. Before jobs or families take over.

8. Spending Quality Time with Older Family Members

My grandfather died when I was fifteen and my grandmother when I was fifteen. I wish that I spent more time with them before they died. I still have a grandmother alive and should have spent more time with her before dementia took over. Time with loved ones is something you can never get back once they are gone.

9. Drinking Underage is Not Cool

In high school, a bunch of my friends and I used to drink on golf courses until one day my young friend was killed by a drunk driver, the drunk driver was his seventeen year old friend.

10. You Don't Really Want a Job That Young

When I was fifteen I wanted a job in the worst way. Everyone always told me that once you start working you do not stop. It's very true. Work hard at school and sports when you are young and do not focus so much on working. At sixteen most will have jobs and that is important to teach responsibility and the value of money but until then study hard and enjoy life.