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Sometimes life isn’t easy. Scratch that. Life is always hard and extremely mean. I like to live (and die) by the quote, “Life sucks, then you die.” Credit to Mr. LaMaster at Adams Central for that one. I decided that what I am going to try to do is make up a list of 5 tips a successful teen should live by. Some you may find foolish, but others might actually be fairly intelligent thoughts.

1. Don’t try to be everyone’s friend. Seriously. Don’t. You can try if you like, but it’s darn near impossible. I’ve tried several times to be the kid that is everyone’s friend, but I have since realized not everyone has the same ideas as me. Example: Bob wants to me to go the Super Bowl with him, but Fred wants me to hit up the mall and scout out the ladies. I really want to be friends with Fred and Bob, but I am clearly at a crossroads in life. This is where I have to choose my friends, and the choice is easy. It’s goodbye to Bob, and I’m shopping with Fred. Just kidding… But seriously.

2. Take Notes. Obviously if you take notes in school, that helps keep your parents happy with good grades and exceptional tests. But, also take notes on other people. Example: Sam just tried this weak pick-up line on a girl, and it was a total flop. Be sure to take a mental note saying that pick-up line is a definite “no go.”

3. Maintain Personal Hygiene. Hygiene is a standard taught by parents starting at the youngest of ages, but is very easily forgotten by some people. Brushing teeth, refreshing with deodorant, and washing hair with shampoo and conditioner are mandatory if you wish to be socially accepted. Example: Sally and Beth are trying to win a movie date with a boy that looks similar to Channing Tatum, but here’s the catch. Sally showers twice a day, illuminates pearly white teeth when she smiles, and smells like heaven. Meanwhile, Beth smells like fast food and has yellowish brown teeth. The winner of the movie date is a unanimous decision.

4. Be Involved. Don’t be that kid that wakes up, goes to school, then goes home. Get involved with extra-curricular activities. Understandably, it will make your life busier, but it pays dividends because being social helps develop friendships. Example: A group of Seniors just noticed this new kid in their English class. They ask this kid for his name and what school he was at before this year. This kid replies, “I’ve attended this school with you guys since seventh grade…” Again, don’t be that kid.

5. Be Yourself. The other four tips don’t mean anything when it comes down to tip #5. If you want to be that kid that smells like a football player’s locker or tries until death to be everyone’s friend, then that is totally cool. Conformity is outdated and pathetic these days. Example: (30 years after high school and a pair of old-time classmates are browsing through their Senior yearbook)

“Dude, do you remember this Jake kid?”

“Yeah, he was totally whacked out and smelled like cabbage”

“But you have to admit, he had his own style and agenda”

“True man. I respect that big time.”

“Amen, brother.”

This list is potentially the worst “Top 5” list you’ve ever read, or maybe it was actually decent. All opinions aside, if you can do better then prove it by doing better.

 

About the author: Jake Fowler

Jake Fowler is a junior at Adams Central High School. He participates in Football, Basketball, and Track & Field. He also plays legion baseball for Hastings. Jake enjoys watching Husker Football and eating pizza.