An Orange Backpack, Overalls and a 'Finding Dory' Folder

Look, I'm not an expert on really anything, except maybe Harry Potter trivia, but that's beside the point. As a high school student with a dash of anxiety and a pinch of awkwardness, I've learned a few things.

1. Nobody Cares

Literally no one. I'm serious, once you realize that, you'll go places. Once you stop worrying about what everyone thinks, you can just be you. And that's cheesy, yes I know, but it's a freeing thought. I went from wanting a gray dull backpack because everyone had one, to wanting an orange backpack. And let me tell you, Orange and I are iconic. Plus most of those people won’t amount to anything in life, so their opinion doesn't even matter.

2. Those Bullies

First off, take nothing from nobody. I practically live by this rule. And anyway, they're most likely picking on you because they don't like themselves, and that's pretty sad, but still don't listen and don't give them attention. I have a children's Finding Dory folder that I use every day, yes people look at me funny, but I don't care. We shouldn't be ashamed of what gives us joy.

3. Since we can't go to Hogwarts, we’re stuck with the public school system.

School will make you want to cry, sleep and die, all at the same time. But you gotta keep going. Because education is so important and people sometimes realize this too late. An education is basically your ticket to the world. If you take it seriously and excel, you can go to college and become who you want to be. That's why I get confused when people at school don't try. I mean, yes it's school everyone hates it, but do you not want to go to college? Do you not want to live your days in a job you enjoy?

4. Sports are fun and good for you.

Look if you think sports just aren't for you and you never try out for anything, you're missing a vital life skill. Not that football is in anyway shape or form going to save you in the future, but the team aspect is very important. That sense of a family who's got your back and is there for you. Where you take your losses and wins together. And even for single person sports, that drive to get better, to be the best you can is important in the sense that in life you have to do the same thing. So find something you like and just do it. You could be the worst player on the team but still get an experience that won't be forgotten.

5. Find your passion and run with it.

If you want to paint, paint your masterpiece. If you want to play soccer, play every day. If you want to sing, sing until you can't. The things that drive us and inspire us are the things that make us happy in the long run. So find a hobby, and be happy.

So these are some rules to live by. And there are of course more, but these are some core rules. I've realized that most of them are about school. But can you blame me? I spent more than a hundred days there during a year. But anyway, in conclusion, school is important. But we hate school, bullies suck and orange backpacks paired with overalls is an amazing combination.